Skip to main content

Does nationality bill threaten Israeli democracy?

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Israeli Democracy Institute President Yohanan Plesner argues that the proposed nationality bill would project the image of a state where democratic values are eroded and non-Jewish citizens are not seen as equal to Jewish ones.
 Member of the Kadima party Yohanan Plesner attends a session of Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee at the Knesset, Israel's parliament in Jerusalem. Jan 23, 2012. to discuss 'Tal Law,' which deals with exceptions from compulsory military service granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews.  Photo by Kobi Gideon / Flash90
Read in 

Based on the number of calls that Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) President Yohanan Plesner has received from the foreign press over the past few days, it seems that the nationality bill garners much interest outside of Israel, too.

Plesner, who fought with an elite Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unit and later served as a Knesset member for the Kadima Party (2007-13), found himself torn between his almost instinctive desire to defend the state and his realization that the nationality bill, which was passed by the government on Nov. 23, is unnecessary and would seriously undermine Israel's character as a democratic state.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.