Israeli citizens to take oath of loyalty

Israel plans to approve a bill demanding an oath of loyalty to Israel as a “Jewish and democratic state” for anyone wanting to become a citizen.

A statement issued by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu introduced the controversial move late on Wednesday.

Amending the current citizenship law, the bill would incorporate the phrase: “I swear to respect the laws of the state of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state,” according to the statement.

The proposal, backed by Netanyahu and a number of other politicians, is due to be put to a vote in the cabinet on Sunday.

Recognition of Israel as a Jewish state is one of demands Tel Aviv says it will seek in any agreement with the Palestinians.

The Palestinian Authority has agreed to recognize Israel as a state but has rejected recognizing its Jewish character, arguing it would effectively repudiate their long-demanded right of return of Palestinian refugees.

Agreeing to recognize Israel as a Jewish state would also pave the way for the Israeli authorities to evict Palestinians living the occupied territories under Israeli control.