In a move likely to further inflame tensions with Israel’s Arab-Palestinian citizens, on Sunday the Israeli Cabinet approved a bill to formally define the country as “the nation-state of the Jewish people.” The decision, which set off a stormy debate that could bring down Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s brittle coalition government, followed weeks of deadly violence and was denounced by critics as “damaging to the country’s democratic character and poorly timed at such a flammable moment.”
MK Jamal Zahalka was forcibly removed from the Knesset podium and dragged out of the plenum on Monday evening after he called Moshe Feiglin, the acting speaker, a fascist. (Photo: Knesset Channel)
Israel has always defined itself as the “Jewish state” – a term which was included in the country’s declaration of independence in 1948. However, the new law seeks to codify that status as a “Basic Law,” thereby making it part of Israel’s de facto constitution. The racist bill calls not only for recognizing Israel’s Jewish character, but for institutionalizing Jewish law as an inspiration for legislation, and for dropping Arabic as an official language. MK Dov Khenin, a leading activist of the Jewish-Arab Hadash Front, accused Netanyahu of “pouring fuel onto the bonfire of hatred.” Khenin stated: “Instead of lending a hand in promoting dialogue with the Arab citizens of Israel, Netanyahu elected to provoke and add fuel to the fire. Instead of working towards an historic reconciliation with the Palestinian people, Netanyahu is blocking any progress towards an agreement. Instead of building a future of life and equality, Netanyahu is leading to conflict and tragedy.”
Arabs in Israel, who make up about 20 percent of the population, have long complained of discrimination and second-class status. Last week, the mayor of the southern city of Ashkelon sparked an uproar by banning, on grounds of security, Arab construction workers from being employed on building projects in Israeli preschools. Later, the mayor, Itamar Shimoni, reversed his decision, but said that “the children would be moved to other locations while construction proceeded.”
On Monday, MK Jamal Zahalka (Balad) was forcibly removed from the Knesset podium and dragged out of the plenum after he called Moshe Feiglin (Likud), the acting speaker, a fascist. Prior to Zahalka’s eviction, MK Mohammed Barakeh (Hadash) was removed from the plenum, also at the behest of Feiglin, for allegedly shouting at the acting speaker “You should be suffocated.” Contrary to Knesset regulations, Barakeh was evicted without prior warning. The session, which was debating a no-confidence motion, came to standstill after Zahalka’s removal, with opposition MKs loudly protesting the move.
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Netanyahu Backs “Jewish State” Bill … MK Barakeh Slams PM for Incitement
