Naharnet

Berri Slams Israel's 'Jewish Nation-State' Law as 'Attack on Humanity'

Speaker Nabih Berri on Friday condemned the Israeli parliament's adoption of a law defining Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people.

In a statement, Berri described the move as “another chapter of the ongoing aggression against Palestine and its people and their legitimate right to return and establish an independent state with holy Jerusalem as its capital.”

“It also represents an aggression against Arab dignity and the entire humanity,” the Speaker added.

“In my name and in the name of the Lebanese parliament, we announce our condemnation of this hostile measure,” Berri went on to say.

The legislation, adopted after a tumultuous Knesset session, makes Hebrew Israel's national language and defines the establishment of Jewish communities as being in the national interest.

Arabic, previously considered an official language, was granted only special status.

Arab citizens account for some 17.5 percent of Israel's more than eight million population. They have long complained of discrimination.


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