Israeli cabinet backs controversial loyalty oath bill

ISRAEL’S cabinet has approved a bill that would require new citizens to pledge a loyalty oath to a “Jewish and democratic” state, language that triggered charges of racism from Arab lawmakers who see it as undermining the rights of the country’s Arab minority.

Few non-Jews apply for Israeli citizenship, so if the bill passes into law, the legislation would not directly affect Arab citizens of Israel, who make up 20% of the population.

Nevertheless, it has infuriated the Arab minority and stoked tensions with Palestinians at a time when fledgling peace talks are deadlocked over Israel’s refusal to extend a moratorium on new building in West Bank Jewish settlements.