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Debate over ‘Jewish State’ bill threatens Coalition collapse

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The ongoing debate over the Nationality Bill threatened to collapse Israel’s governing coalition last night after Finance Minister Yair Lapid and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni opposed the draft bill at a stormy Cabinet meeting.

The Cabinet meeting followed an unusual and confusing process in an attempt by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to mollify both the centrist and rightist wings of his coalition. Three hard-line versions of the Nationality Bill were brought for a Cabinet vote, but only on the agreement that these drafts would never become law. After being approved and brought for a First Reading to the Knesset, the various drafts would be withdrawn and replaced by a more moderate, consensus draft proposed by Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Netanyahu’s proposed draft defines its objective as “Defining the State of Israel as the national state of the Jewish People, and anchoring the values of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state in the spirit of the principles of the Declaration of Independence.” It goes on to state that, “The State of Israel is democratic, based on the foundations of freedom, justice and peace in light of the visions of the prophets of Israel, and upholds the individual rights of all its citizens according to law”. It also states that, “The State will act to enable all residents of Israel, regardless of religion, race or nationality, to preserve their culture, heritage, language and identity.” It also formally defines Israel’s flag, anthem and national holidays.

However, the debate at Cabinet centred on the other drafts of the bill, including by coalition chairman Zeev Elkin. These drafts contain more controversial clauses, such as defining Hebrew as Israel’s sole national language to the detriment of Arabic, and do not have the protections for all citizens included in Netanyahu’s proposed draft.

At the discussion, Livni and Lapid spoke strongly against the hard-line drafts and refused to vote for them, even on the understanding that they would ultimately be withdrawn. Both suggested that the vote was orchestrated by Mr Netanyahu in an attempt to force early elections. Livni also claimed that the vote was Netanyahu’s retaliation for her support of the bill that would ban free newspapers like the pro-Netanyahu Israel Hayom.

Likud minister Limor Livnat proposed that the Cabinet vote only on Netanyahu’s draft instead of voting for a law that they opposed, but her suggestion was not carried forwards.

Though the Cabinet decided that the bill which advances in the Knesset will be amended to match Netanyahu’s more moderate proposals, Livni and Lapid are still  currently saying they will not vote in favour during a First Reading scheduled for Wednesday, which may result in the collapse of the coalition. Livni has her own proposals for the bill which include a more explicit reference to equality in the state.