The so-called “Jewish State Bill” which would officially enshrine in Israeli law that Israel is the nation-state of the Jewish People, has generated heated debate in Israel and around the world. On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared it to be essential to the future of the country during a joint press conference with visiting Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka. “Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people,” Netanyahu said. “Israel is an exemplary democratic country…a country that anchors personal equal rights for each of its citizens.” However, President Reuven Rivlin joined critics on Tuesday saying the bill is unnecessary while the Palestinian Authority said it would mark the end of the peace process and the Islamist terror militia Hamas threatened a “religious war” if it proceeds.Read More
