Israel
Israel to modify controversial nation-state bill, Education Minister Naftali Bennett says
Critics had warned against a clause that would create divisions between different religions and nationalities
July 16, 2018 08:43
Critics had warned against a clause that would create divisions between different religions and nationalities
July 16, 2018 08:43The Israeli government is planning to amend the controversial Jewish nation-state bill that brought thousands of liberal protesters on to the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday night.
Critics fear the law will give precedence to Jewish over democratic values, tipping the balance away from individual rights to greater nationalism.
Last week Israeli President Reuven Rivlin issued a warning against its most contentious clause, which would allow the establishment of separate communities on the basis of “religion or nationality”.
He said it “could harm the Jewish people, Jews throughout the world and the state of Israel, and could be used as a weapon by our enemies”.
To get more Israel news, click here to sign up for our free Israel Briefing newsletter.
