The Israeli Cabinet on Sunday approved a bill to call Israel the nation-state of the Jewish people, a measure that critics say could further strain the state’s frayed relationship with its Palestinian population.
The draft legislation, titled “Israel, the Nation-State of the Jewish People,” is backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has promised that it will guarantee equality for all Israeli citizens, the New York Times reports.
Yet Palestinian lawmakers deem the bill a threat to the rights of the state’s Arab minority and its democratic principles.
The proposed law’s final wording has not yet been settled. At least one version of the draft law would demote the Arabic language to “special status” in Israel, making Hebrew the state’s sole official language.
The bill passed the Cabinet by 14 votes to six and is now headed to Parliament.
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Write to Elizabeth Barber at elizabeth.barber@timeasia.com