July 20, 2018:
Legislation becomes part of the country's basic laws, which serve as a de facto constitution.
On Thursday, Israel's Parliament adopted a law defining the country as the nation state of the Jewish people, provoking fears it could lead to blatant discrimination against Arab citizens.
Arab Lawmakers and Palestinians called law "racist" and stated that it legalised "apartheid" following a tumultuous debate in parliament.
Others said it neglects to specify equality and Israel's democratic character, implying that the country's Jewish nature comes first.
European Union expressed concern and called for Rights of Minorities to be respected.
Legislation, adopted by 62 votes to 55, makes Hebrew country's National language and defines establishment of Jewish communities as being in the national interest.
Arabic, previously considered an official language, was granted only special status.
Law was passed in the early hours of Thursday, speaks of Israel as the historic homeland of the Jews and says they have a "unique" right to self-determination there, according to copies of the final text quoted by Israeli media.
"It is our state, the Jewish state, but in recent years some have tried to question that as well as the principles of our existence and our rights," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated after the vote on the legislation, backed by his right-wing government.
He called its approval a "decisive moment" in Israeli history.
Source PTI
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