Knesset panel approves controversial bill allowing towns to reject residents

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By Jonathan Lis and Jack Khoury

Israeli Arab MKs al-Sana and Tibi walk out on committee discussion, calling it a ’criminal law’ aiming to prevent Arabs from joining Israeli towns.

The Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill which gives the right to absorption committees of small communities in Israel to reject candidates if they do not meet specific criteria.

The bill has sparked wide condemnation and many believe it to be discriminatory and racist, since it allows communities to reject residents if they do no meet the criteria of “suitability to the community’s fundamental outlook”, which in effect enables them to reject candidates based on sex, religion, and socioeconomic status.

Th bill is due to be presented before the Knesset plenum in the coming weeks