JERUSALEM (AP) – In the face of a rising wave of violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing forward a plan to formalize by law Israel’s status as “the Jewish state.” Netanyahu says it’s a needed response to those who question Israel’s right to exist. But the measure would anger Israel’s Arab minority and could draw international condemnation, severely testing a delicate balance between democracy and the country’s Jewish character. Here’s a look at the debate:
Q: WHAT DOES THE LEGISLATION DO?
A: The bill aims to officially designate Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people. Israel has always defined itself as the “Jewish state” – a term that appears in its 1948 declaration of independence – while also characterizing itself as a democracy that upholds the rights of all citizens. The new law seeks to put the Jewish state idea into a constitution-level law.
Q: HOW “JEWISH” IS ISRAEL NOW?
A: Israel’s primary language is Hebrew, Jewish holidays are national holidays and Saturday, the Jewish sabbath, is the national day of rest. The country’s blue and white flag is adorned with the Star of David, and its national anthem, “Hatikva,” highlights Jews’ connection to the land. Under its “Law of Return,” Israel automatically grants citizenship to any Jew, while immigration for non-Jews is limited. The Arab minority – about a fifth of the 8 million citizens – are meant to hold equal individual rights; Israel has Arab lawmakers, professors, judges, military officers and entertainers. This balance, however, has always been fragile. Arabs frequently suffer discrimination in the job and housing markets. Israeli Jews, meanwhile, are deeply divided over the role of religion in everyday life.