The law’s passage prompted vocal opposition from the country’s Arab minorityIsrael’s Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a controversial law that defines the country as the nation state of the Jewish people - rejecting claims by opponents that it discriminates against minorities. In its ruling, the court acknowledged shortcomings in the so-called Nation State Law. Critics said it further downgrades the status of Israel’s Arab minority, which makes up around 20% of the country’s population. A number of Arab rights groups and civil society organizations appealed to the court to strike down the law. But he said the ruling made clear that other laws, on issues like equality and minority rights, would also have to be taken into account.

Source: The Hindu July 08, 2021 18:33 UTC