Israeli Cabinet passes loyalty bill, now officially a discriminatory theocracy
Israel's Cabinet approved on Sunday a bill that would require new citizens to pledge a loyalty oath to a "Jewish and democratic" state, language that triggered charges of racism from Arab lawmakers who see it as undermining the rights of the country's Arab minority.
Few non-Jews apply for Israeli citizenship so if the bill passes into law, the legislation would not directly affect Arab citizens of Israel, who make up 20 percent of the population.
Nevertheless, it has infuriated the Arab minority and stoked tensions with Palestinians at a time when fledgling peace talks are deadlocked over Israel's refusal to extend a moratorium on new building in West Bank Jewish settlements.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the bill by saying it reflected the essence of Israel at a time when he said many in the world are trying to blur the connection between the Jewish people and their homeland.
Link:
http://www.activistpost.com/2010/10/israeli-cabinet-passes-loyalty-bill-now.html
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