Contentious ‘Jewish state law’ upheld by Israeli court

Critics say the law further downgrades the status of Israel’s Palestinian minority, which makes up 21 percent.

A controversial law that defines Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people was upheld by the Supreme Court, which rejected claims by opponents that it discriminates against minorities. In its ruling on Thursday, the court acknowledged shortcomings in the so-called Nation State Law. But it said it “did not negate Israel’s democratic character” outlined in other laws. Proponents of the 2018 law claimed the legislation merely enshrined Israel’s existing Jewish character.