The new Basic Law: Israel as the Nation-State of the Jewish People is widely perceived within Israel’s Arab society and among shared society organizations as a turning point in Jewish-Arab and state-minority relations and its passage has been met with strong opposition. In an earlier briefing document, the Task Force detailed the discourse for and against the law, and controversy surrounding its substance. This update summarizes Arab and civil-society response in the weeks since its passage; government and political leadership responses in return; and actions taken by shared society organizations.
The Druze protest became a focal point for much of mainstream debate in the first couple of weeks, dividing opposition to the law into two main lines of criticism: one based on implications for equal citizenship for all, and another based on rights for non-Jewish citizens who serve in the security forces.
Most leaders in the wider Arab and civil society have come out against any conditions placed on equal citizenship—be it on military service or anything else. Among Bedouin, many of whom also serve in the military and police, some discourse has emerged about acknowledging their service as well.
The Druze protest engaged Israeli security officers not normally vocal in Israeli politics in the debate. Current and former military generals and officers, chiefs of police and other security personnel have come out publicly in support of the Druze and in some cases, all Arab minorities, whose rights they say need to be protected.
Additional actions organized by the Arab leadership include daily protests in Arab localities; an emergency Jewish-Arab convention held in Haifa on July 29th; and a major protest in Tel Aviv planned for August 11th. Arab leadership is also pursuing international advocacy against the law via UN High Commissioner for Minority Rights, Dr. Fernand de Varennes, and several embassies. MK Yousef Jabareen (Joint List) sent a letter to the OECD claiming the nation state law “contradicts the principles of equality and fairness … enables excessive resource allocation to the Jewish majority at the expense of the Arab minority” and thus “goes against the OECD’s recommendations to integrate the Arab minority in education, welfare and employment.”
There is no unified government response to the wave of public opposition and calls to amend or revoke the law from Arab society. Below is a selection of actions that have been taken by government and political leaders to either address criticism of the law or to affirm the legislation counter to the opposition.
In an Israeli Army Radio interview, Minister of Justice Ayelette Shaked warned that judicial intervention over the law “would cause an earthquake between different authorities,” explaining that the Knesset “defines and determines the Basic Laws. [The justices] have to interpret the laws in accordance with the Basic Laws.” The statements have drawn concerns about aspects of this law serving as part of an attack on the independence of the judiciary, as well as on its role guaranteeing Israel’s democratic commitments. At the swearing in ceremony of Judge Alex Stein, Supreme Court President, Esther Hayut indirectly responded, saying that “In light of the continuing deterioration of public discourse and the use of troubling terminology relating to natural disasters and hostile conflicts, it is important to state in a clear and sober voice that according to the oath of office, Israel’s Supreme Court justices … are committed to carrying out our duties without fear or bias.”
Speaker Yuli Edelstein refused to accept the resignation of Joint List MK Wael Younis, who resigned as part of a rotation agreement in the party, because the letter was written in Arabic. “I cannot sign a letter if I don’t understand its content,” Edelstein. “It is only appropriate that in Israel’s parliament, the resignation letter will also be submitted in Hebrew.”
Civil society organizations focused on and activists working for shared society have issued statements and taken actions in protest of the legislation. Select examples are provided below.
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