Religious Demographics of Palestine and Israel: A Comparative Overview

The religious landscapes of Palestine (West Bank & Gaza) and Israel are deeply intertwined with history, identity, and the ongoing conflict. Figures are based on recent census data and demographic studies (Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, Pew Research).

Palestine (West Bank & Gaza Strip)

• Islam: ~97% (Overwhelmingly Sunni)
• Christianity: ~2% (Greek Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, others – historic communities in Bethlehem, Ramallah, Gaza, Jerusalem)
• Judaism: <1% (Small Samaritan community in Nablus; Israeli settlers in West Bank not counted in Palestinian stats)
• Other/Unaffiliated: <1%

Israel (Within Green Line + East Jerusalem + Golan)

• Judaism: ~75% (Secular/Hiloni ~45%, Traditional/Masorti ~30%, Religious/Dati ~12%, Ultra-Orthodox/Haredi ~13%)
• Islam: ~17% (Almost entirely Sunni Arab citizens: Bedouin, Northern, Triangle, Negev communities)
• Christianity: ~2% (Arab Christians: Greek Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Maronite, Latin; plus non-Arab migrants)
• Druze: ~1.6% (Distinct ethno-religious group, Arabic-speaking, loyal to state, serve in IDF)
• Other: ~4% (Includes "No Religion" per census—many Soviet-origin immigrants not halakhically Jewish; Baha'i, Samaritan, others)

Key Context

• Jerusalem: Holy to all three Abrahamic faiths. Demographics contested.
• West Bank Settlers (~500k): Jewish Israelis living in Area C; counted in Israeli stats, not Palestinian.
• Gaza: ~99% Sunni Muslim; tiny Christian minority (~1,000).
• Secularism: Significant secular populations in both societies (especially Tel Aviv, Ramallah).

Religion remains a primary marker of collective identity and political alignment in the region.