Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Seán Crowe TD, has criticised the Israeli Cabinet for backing a Bill which declares Israel as a Jewish State and which will effectively discriminates against religious minorities.

Crowe stated that he believes the Bill is provocative because according to reports it will mean that Arabs and effectively all non-Jews will legally become second class citizens in their own land.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“I was disappointed but not surprised to hear that the Netanyahu’s right wing Cabinet backed this discriminatory Bill by 14 votes to 6.

“It is now set to come before the Israeli Parliament later this week for a general vote and where the exact content will be made public.

“Arab members of the Israeli Parliament, and human rights groups, have already said that they believe this legislation is discriminatory and racist, and that it could make Hebrew the only officially language of Israel.

“This is despite the fact that Arab Muslims and Christians make up one fifth of Israel’s population.

“The Bill will effectively allow Israel to strip all rights off Arabs residents, particularly if the Government claims that they have incited violence, including stone throwing.

“It is seen by many across the world as reinforcing and enshrining the apartheid policies of the Israeli state.

“This Bill could not have come at a worst time.

“It is extremely provocative, unnecessary, and will inevitably increase tensions between Israel and Palestine, especially in Jerusalem, where it is likely to add fuel to a ratcheting up of tensions.”

ENDS