Racist bill deters peace

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanayhu seems to be going ahead with his plan to enact legislation describing Israel as a Jewish state and a homeland for the Jewish people everywhere despite protests even from within his own Cabinet.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the proposed “Jewish state bill places obstacles in the way to achieving peace”. 

The PLO condemned it, saying its goal is to destroy the two-state solution.

It said the bill “contravenes international laws and treaties, as well as human rights and the principles of democracy and equality” and would “legalise racism and discrimination in all aspects of life”.

How true. The bill is certainly racist.

Making Judaism Israel’s recognised identity is bound to endanger the status of the holy sites and of the other faiths observed there. 

As used as one is to Israel’s racist behaviour, the question that still arises is why Netanayhu would want to raise such a highly charged and provocative issue now, when tensions between Israelis and Palestinians are running high.

Is it Iran’s successful prolongation of nuclear talks? Is it an attempt at gaining popularity when even Knesset members have misgivings about such move?

The over million-and-a-half Arab Palestinians living in Israel are Israeli citizens. Calling Israel a Jewish state would automatically disenfranchise the Arabs of Israel, rendering them second-class citizens.

Taking this step would expose Israel, which takes pride in calling itself the only democracy in the Middle East.

Netanyahu cannot reconcile such racist, callous measure with international human rights conventions that reject discrimination among citizens.

Both friends and allies of Israel must call on it to drop this bill. 

Once the Palestinians have an independent state on Palestinian soil, Israel can call itself whatever it wants.

For now, if Netanyahu persists in this decision, the Palestinians should take the issue to the International Court of Justice for a judgement on its legality.