This paper examines issues of equality, discrimination, affirmative action, and preferential treatment in Israel. An introduction provides a broad outline of topics addressed in the paper: the status of the Jewish sector, with treatment of Jewish immigrants to serve as an example of affirmative action; the policies of the state in relation to the Arab minority; policies in relation the relatively disadvantaged Oriental communities within the Jewish majority; and the possibility or desirability of enacting affirmative action policies to improve the status of women. The first main section discusses government policies and programs, which center on the major aims of the Zionist movement. The legal, social, and demographic background for these practices are outlined. The role of affirmative action in Israel today is then analyzed by focusing on the legal status, privileges, and economic situation of Jews (as a homogeneous group), Arabs, and Ashkenazi and Oriental Jews. The next section, a theoretical discussion, reviews specialized literature and press coverage concerning the affirmative action issue. Also included is an outline of special measures already taken to alleviate inequalities in these areas: education (with an emphasis on the role of the judiciary); admission to universities; the army; Project Renewal (an urban renewal program); large families; and the participation of Oriental Jews in government. Finally, it is concluded that the inherent differences between Israel and other countries are accountable for the low profile of affirmative action in Israel. (KH)