Israeli 'nation-state law' could undermine equality: UK

By Muhammad Mussa

LONDON (AA) - Israel’s controversial new “Jewish nation-state law” raises concerns that it is failing to live up to its pledge to equality for all citizens of the Middle Eastern state, said a British government official on Monday.

"Israel’s longstanding commitment to equality for all its citizens is one of its great strengths as a fellow democracy,” a Foreign and Commonwealth Office Foreign Office spokesperson told Anadolu Agency.

“As friends of Israel, we are concerned this new bill could undermine this commitment," added the spokesperson, asking not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Israel has come under fierce criticism since its parliament, the Knesset, last week passed the controversial law, which defines Israel as a Jewish state.

The legislation further states that a “united Jerusalem” is the capital of Israel and that Hebrew is the country's official language, stripping Arabic of its earlier designation as an official language while recognizing its “special status.”

Turkey has denounced the legislation for trying to strip Palestinians of their rights.