I was having a hard time sleeping so I went on the net. As a "pro-I" poster here I have defended Israel while being critical of their settlement policy. But the time has come to speak out on an issue - that I think runs contrary to everything that I have believed about Israel. Some background, I lived there for year, I have family there, I believe in the concept of a Jewish National Homeland BUT... Ha Memshela (the Government) Israel has crossed a line for me and if this latest move to destroy it's democracy then something has to change.
Today Israel took a major step to destroy its democracy. PM to introduce amendment to Citizenship Act
A test of loyalty? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided Wednesday to ask his ministers to debate – and approve – an amendment to the Citizenship Act, mandating that all aspiring citizens would be required to pledge their allegiance not only to Israel, but to a "Jewish, democratic" Israel.
This is outrageous. Twenty two percent of the population is not Jewish. With this oath pushed by the right, basically they are telling the minority population that no matter what happens, no matter what occurs the people born in the country that are not Jewish would have to adhere to the State never having the possibility of being recognized. The Oath supports a "Jewish and Democratic State" yet what happens if Israel keeps settling the West Bank? When 45% of the population is not Jewish (if Israel annexes the Territories) what then is the future of Israeli democracy?
So what is the Israeli Opposition saying. Well Haaretz is reporting:
Labor expects new settlement freeze as payoff for loyalty oath
But the prime minister must perform a balancing act. Allies at both ends of the political spectrum and the Labor party hope that his latest concession is a sop to right-wingers ahead of a decision to renew a ban on settlement building in the West Bank – a key demand of the left.
"I hope that Netanyahu's support is a payoff to Lieberman, so that the prime minister will be able to extend the freeze without breaking apart his coalition," said one Labor minister, who declined to be named.
Considering that Labor has capitulated on pretty much everything why would they do anything regarding this. What will it take to get them to leave the government if this doesn't?
Kadima and Meretz that DID NOT join the government had this to say:
Former Jewish Agency Chairman MK Zeev Bielski (Kadima), said that Netanyahu's decision is "insulting, harmful, and is not enough to cement Israel's status as a Jewish democratic state." Bielski added that the amendment "will cause more harm than good, and stems from the need to please radical coalitional elements."
Meretz Chairman MK Haim Oron slammed the proposed amendment, saying "it seems the Citizenship Act was drafted in Lieberman's image. The act portrays a xenophobic, anxious, anti-civilian Israel.
(See Ynet article above).
As a Zionist I remain committed to the concept of the State of Israel but this action demands a concerted effort to change the government. There is just no way I can support what it is happening in a country I care for and one that I see as necessary to the survival of the Jewish People. I cannot support either side in this conflict at this point should this pass the Knesset. I think it is a step in the destruction of Israel and definitely the death of Israeli Democracy.
As a friend of Israel I call on Israelis to not pass this horrible law. I hope that those there will remember their history an protect their democracy.