Can non-Jews buy property in Israel?

Non-Jews are able to buy property in Israel, but there are some restrictions. Israel operates under a system of “absentee property” laws, which were put in place in the 1950s in order to protect the rights of Jews who left their property behind in Arab countries during the Arab-Israeli War. These laws prohibit the sale of land that was owned by Jews before 1948 to non-Jews.

However, this does not apply to private land or land that is not state-owned. Non-Jews can buy land in Israel from private owners or from the Israel Lands Authority, which manages state-owned land. However, in some places like Jerusalem, there are properties that are owned by Jewish National Fund, which has a policy of selling land only to Jews, but this is an exception.

It’s worth noting that while non-Jews are legally allowed to buy property in Israel, it is still a complex process and it’s recommended to seek professional advice and guidance before proceeding.

In addition to the laws and policies that limit the sale of land to non-Jews, there are also cultural and societal factors that can make it difficult for non-Jews to purchase property in Israel.

In some areas, particularly in settlements and rural communities, there may be a strong preference among residents for selling land to fellow Jews. This can make it difficult for non-Jews to find willing sellers, even if they are legally allowed to purchase the land.

However, in more urban areas, such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, it is more common to find non-Jews owning property, especially in the rental market, and the process of purchasing property is similar to that in other developed countries.

It’s also important to note that Israel’s Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty guarantees the right to property, and the courts have taken a strong stance against discrimination in property transactions based on nationality, religion, or ethnicity.

Overall, while non-Jews can buy property in Israel, it can be a complex process and it’s recommended that they seek professional advice and guidance before proceeding.