Compared to the rest of the Middle East, where the percentage of Christians has fallen dramatically in recent years, Israel has a large measure of freedom of religion and freedom of speech, even for Messianic (Jesus-Messiah believing) Jews, although Messianic Jewish communities or individuals have been harassed by orthodox and ultra-orthodox groups.
The Israeli Declaration of Independence, read in May 1948 by Israel's first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion, reads:
“Israel will ensure full equality in social and political rights to all its residents, regardless of religion or gender; the country guarantees freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture; it will protect the holy places of all religions; and it will be faithful to the principles of the United Nations Charter.”
In March 1992, the Knesset adopted a constitution on human dignity and freedom, which declares Israel a "Jewish and democratic" state. Israel's Supreme Court ruled that basic human rights, such as the right to freedom of religion, conscience and expression – are protected in Israel, as this is part of the dignity of a human being.
Israel is a Jewish state with large religious minorities. About 75 percent are Jews, 20 percent are Arabs who are mostly Muslims, but there is also a large group of Christians. Almost 400,000 Israelis do not have a religion or practice religions other than those mentioned above.
Jewish organizations in Israel reject Jesus-believing Jews as part of Judaism. The stumbling blocks are the view of Jesus as the Messiah and the doctrine of the Trinity, both being dismissed by Jews as idolatry. Several Jewish organizations in Israel believe that the biblical prophecies (from Isaiah 53, for example) that Messianic Judaism invokes as proof of the Messiah's suffering and death, have been interpreted incorrectly.
Missionary activity in Israel is controversial, especially when it comes from Messianic Jewish groups, seen by some as traitors. However, it is permissible for everyone to express a worldview, including religious beliefs, even if they are not accepted by the majority. The law prohibits a person from trying to induce another person to change his religion through material benefits. It is also forbidden to persuade a minor to change their religion. To date, no one has been charged or convicted under these laws.
Messianic Jews shall be eligible for the State of Israel's Law of Return if they can claim Jewish ancestry.