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Israel's Controversial Jewish Nation Law Angers Arabs

by Robert Berger

   JERUSALEM --

   Israel has passed legislation that has been welcomed by Jewish
   nationalists but condemned by Arab citizens.

   The Knesset, Israel's parliament, approved a new law that defines the
   country as the nation-state of the Jewish people.

   Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it is a "historic moment in the
   history of Zionism and 'Šthe State of Israel."

   Netanyahu said Israel's enemies have been trying to delegitimize its
   existence, but now Jewish statehood is enshrined in law.

   "Long live the State of Israel!" he declared.

   While Netanyahu's right wing coalition partners are elated, Israeli
   Arabs, who make up 20 percent of the population, are outraged.

   Arab legislator Ahmad Tibi says the new law is racist.

   "The nationality bill is a hate crime," said Tibi. "They are totally
   discriminating against the Arab citizens, against the Arab minority."

   Netanyahu said minorities have full rights in Israel, but he noted that
   the majority also has rights. He said the law ensures the Jewish
   majority for generations to come.

   But critics say the bill does enormous damage to the State of Israel,
   whose image abroad is already battered due to its alleged mistreatment
   of the Palestinians. In a radio interview, Israeli political scientist
   Shlomo Avineri said the last thing Israel needs is more bad publicity.

   He said the law accomplishes nothing other than providing ammunition to
   Israel's detractors, including those who accuse the Jewish state of
   apartheid.