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JERUSALEM – An Arab-Israeli MP said Sunday that he was resigning from parliament for "ideological reasons" to protest the recent passing of a controversial law recognizing the Jewish character of the state.
Labor legislator Zuhair Bahloulsaid can no longer serve in a country that officially marginalizes the 20% Arab minority that he represents.
Bahloul, a former popular sports broadcaster, is considered a symbol of Jewish and Arab coexistence.
His departure marks further fallout from the explosive measure, which also saw strong opposition from a Druze minority serving in the military and feels aggrieved by the legislation.
The 1948 Israeli Declaration of Independence defined its nature as a Jewish and democratic state. According to the government, the bill only confirms the current character of the country, but critics say it undermines its democratic values.
On another Sunday, the Israeli navy intercepted a ship carrying activists en route to Gaza. The army said the passengers had been informed that they were "violating the legal naval blockade" and that humanitarian aid could be routed to Gaza by other means. He stated that the incident had taken place "without exceptional events" and that the ship had been taken to an Israeli port.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a group of pro-Palestinian and Islamic charities around the world, said on Twitter: Israel has "hijacked" the ship.
He said that there were activists from 14 countries, mainly from Europe but also from Malaysia, the United States and Israel, on the boat carrying 100 boxes. medical aid for Gaza.
Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade on Gaza after Hamas took control of the territory in 2007.
Israel says it is crucial to prevent Hamas, a sworn group to the destruction of Israel, to arm. Critics say it is a collective punishment of 2 million people in Gaza.
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