The Israeli Nationality Bill passed a preliminary reading in the Knesset on Wednesday by a vote of 48-41.
The measure now goes to the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee for revision before it is reading for a first reading in the Knesset Plenum.
If passed, the bill will legally define Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish People, and will become one of the Basic Laws of the country, with constitutional status.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented Monday that there is no contradiction between the bill and the equal rights of all citizens in Israel, but rather, he said the law is necessary as a “response to those who try to deny the deep connection between the People of Israel and the Land.”