Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States is concerned about the rise of  the Orthodox Jewish community in Israel, a report said.

The Congressional Research Service said the growth of the Jewish
community, particularly the Orthodox, has led to a significantly different
government in Israel. In a report, CRS said the so-called ultra-Orthodox as
well as other once marginal communities have changed the political
landscape.

“U.S. officials have expressed concern over these dynamics,” the report said.

“Israel’s demographic profile has evolved in a way that appears to be affecting its political orientation and societal debates,” the report, titled “Israel: Background and U.S. Relations,” said. “Along with secular and nationalist Jews from various ethnic backgrounds, Jewish ultra-Orthodox, Russian-speaking, and Arab citizens significantly influence societal debates.”

CRS cited what it termed the new national leaders of Israel as a result of the January 2013 election that returned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to power. The new leaders were identified as Finance Minister Yair Lapid and Economy Minister Naftali Bennett.

“Political parties linked to recently expanded segments of Jewish Israeli society tend to favor the right side of the Israeli political spectrum currently led by Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud,” the report said. “At the same time, general trends show that support for traditionally left-leaning Zionist parties such as Labor has decreased.”

Report author Jim Zanotti cited analysts that Israel’s Jewish majority
was more nationalist and religious than a generation ago and less concerned
over a political settlement with the Palestinians. But the report did not
venture as to how this would affect Israeli relations with the United
States.

“These trends’ likely long-term effects on Israel’s internal cohesion
and its ties with the United States and other international actors are
unclear,” the report, dated Nov. 1, said.

The report determined the decline of Israel’s ruling European-origin
elite and the rise of the Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox communities. Zanotti
also cited the rise of Jewish nationalism and tension with Arabs and
non-Jewish groups.

  Benjamin Netanyahu, Congressional Research Service, Naftali Bennett, Report: Rise of Orthodox Jewish community in Israel worries U.S. officials, Yair Lapid