By Ted Belman
“The law changes the balance between Israel’s “democratic” and “Jewish” nature, and makes it clear that of the two principles, the definition of the state’s Jewish nature is the more important one.
This is very important. Now when the SC of Israel has to decide on an issue it stresses equality in its decision. Thus the Israel Land Authority cannot favour Jewish buyers even though the money which bought the land in the first place intended the purchase as being for Jews alone. The new law, should it pass gives priority to promoting Jewish rights at the expense of equality rights. I am all for it. Israel was created for Jews not for anybody who happens to live there.
The Likud and Habayit Hayehudi parties agreed in their coalition agreement to advance a controversial Basic Law subverting Israel’s democratic identity to its identity as the state of the Jewish people.
Former MK Avi Dichter, then a member of Kadima, submitted two versions of the bill during the previous Knesset’s term. The first would have removed the Arabic language as an official language in Israel, granting it instead a “special status.” The second softened this clause.
According to the text of the first bill, the state would invest resources in promoting Jewish settlement but would not commit itself to building for other national groups.
The first version of the bill also included a clause stating that Jewish law would serve as a source of inspiration for Knesset legislation. While that formulation was dropped in the second version, the new bill stated that in cases where existing laws did not provide an adequate answer to a legal question, the courts should make their rulings “in light of the principles of justice, integrity and peace of Israel’s heritage.”
Senior members of Habayit Hayehudi could not say which of the formulations would be presented to the new Knesset, but they said they did not expect that the clause regarding the Arabic language would be part of the new version.
Dichter’s version of the bill was based on a draft put together by the Institute for Zionist Stategies. Then-Kadima chair Tzipi Livni stepped in at the time to block the bill, following widespread public criticism.
Livni, now head of Hatnuah, is slated to become justice minister in the new government, as well as the head of the Ministerial Committee for Legislation, which decides which bills will receive the government’s support. As such, she will have the power to either advance or block such a bill.
Comment by Ted Belman
This article says “As such, she will have the power to either advance or block such a bill.” That’s not true. The committee votes on whether to have Knesset vote on bill. The article linked to in this paragraph says:
to a large extent the fate of Knesset bills is actually determined by the 17 ministers who belong to the committee – and sometimes just by the handful who show up that day. In at least one vote, just one member – Justice Minister Yaakov Neeman, who heads the committee – was recorded as being present.
Livni said:
“that as the Chair of the Ministerial Committee on Legislation, she would block the Jewish Nation Law, which is a part of Likud’s agreement with Bayit Yehudi.
“The law changes the balance between Israel’s “democratic” and “Jewish” nature, and makes it clear that of the two principles, the definition of the state’s Jewish nature is the more important one.”
‘The law would downgrade the status of the Arabic language as an official language and would promote construction policies that favor Jews.”
All one has to do is utter the word DEMOCRACY and many Jews go weak in the knees. Just like superman who went limp near a piece of kriponite. Amazing!!! Just say the word DEMOCRACY and three thousand years of Judaism and the entire Torah must stand aside while the public votes. Never mind that the voters include the ignorant,the misguided and the Israeli Arabs who will have a say in the future of Israel and its very security. The DEMOCRACY mantra also implies that fallible human beings can decide things better that the Creator of the universe. Those who are most committed to the DEMOCRACY solution are often ignorant of what Judaism really teaches.
“The law changes the balance between Israel’s “democratic” and “Jewish” nature, and makes it clear that of the two principles, the definition of the state’s Jewish nature is the more important one.”
‘The law would downgrade the status of the Arabic language as an official language and would promote construction policies that favor Jews.”
What’s wrong with that. Where do I sign? Heegia b’zman
RaymondF Said:
Don’t get me wrong, I do support Yamit and you on the need for this proposed law. I just don’t see it going anywhere unless Netanyahu can be persuaded to back it and he’s no Begin or Shamir.
Yamit,
I much prefer your cautious optimism to NormanF’s cloudy (albeit realistic) negativism. Let’s forge ahead with our heads held high, though the roadblocks and obstacles seem daunting! Israel needs the Jewish Nation Bill!
NormanF Said:
Let’s see, The finance committee can block funds to the Justice ministry. The knesset can Pass more equitable laws and procedures for selecting Judges and table laws restricting the powers and purview of the Supreme court. Call it counter pressure. There are many ways if there is a will and a majority to influence the ministry of justice. I am not saying it will happen but there are ways if the opponents of Livni are both determined and can muster majorities in committee and the plenum. Livni is dependent on the support of BB. BB is a smart political manipulator but also a coward who will bend to pressure if he believes the pressure threatens his position as PM.
Ted,
With Tzipi Livni holding the Justice Ministry, the prospects of this bill becoming law any time soon are precisely zero.
And Netanyahu won’t back it.