Jewish-Nation Bill Frays Israel's Delicate Social Fabric

[Purveyor]

(Reuters) - Israel is poised to pass one of the most divisive laws in its 66-year history, a bill that would declare it the homeland of the Jewish people only -- and further alienate its Arab minority.

Political infighting over the measure is already threatening to tear apart Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition.

The legislation, which is seen as compromising equality by differentiating between Jewish and non-Jewish citizens in enshrining some symbolic rights to the Jewish people, could also have long-term practical ramifications for Israeli democracy and jurisprudence.

Netanyahu, along with other right-wing politicians pushing the law, say it is essential to protecting Israel's identity against those questioning its right to exist.

Some commentators say Netanyahu is going ahead now to court a key constituency of right-wing voters he has been losing to far-right parties in his already shaky coalition, with an eye to a possible early election next year should cracks within the government widen.

more...

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/25/us-mideast-israel-identity-idUSKCN0J91KN20141125

[geek tragedy]

1. South Africa on the Med. PW Netanyahu. nt

[KoKo]

2. Perhaps

he's getting close to a "step too far?"

His constant outrage and fist banging will wear thin at some point. Maybe not before he causes more death and destruction...but, at some point, his hardline, bellicose policies will hopefully be seen in a different light.