Israeli Arabs Seek Autonomy and Veto on Government Decisions

Tweet "Our main objective is to ignite the spark of the
political debate on the future of the Palestinian Arabs in
Israel," said Shawki Hatib, chair of the Monitoring
Committee.

The document demands that Israel recognize the Arab
community as a national minority with the right to be
represented in international forums. Jewish Israelis need
not see it as a threat, Hatib said.

The document has eight chapters, each outlining the vision
regarding land policy, economic development, education,
etc. The chapter about relations with the state does not
say that Israeli Arabs recognize Israel's Jewishness, but
that they are willing to see it as a "joint homeland" for
the two nations.

"This means we recognize the Jewish nation's rights in
Israel as individuals and a group. But not at the Arabs'
expense. We will respect each other if they respect our
rights," said Dr. Asad Ghanem, a political scientist, who
wrote the chapter.

From Ali Abunimah on Electronic Intifada