The executive director of Human Rights Watch said on Monday that he objects to defining Israel as a "Jewish state" due to its "nationalist" overtones.
Speaking with public broadcaster Kan News, Kenneth Roth said he was opposed to the notion after being asked about Israel's right to exist as the homeland of the Jewish people.
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"No one has ever questioned Israel's right to exist, Israel can define itself however it wants, many states define themselves in nationalist terms," Roth said, adding that he prefers the country move towards becoming a more egalitarian "democratic state."
Pressed by Kan about his reluctance to define Israel as a Jewish state, Roth justified his argument by pointing out that there are many Palestinians who live in Israel who also "deserve their full rights."
When asked if he would oppose Egypt defining itself as an Arab state, Roth said "yes," if it means that non-Arabs are looked upon as second-class citizens.
This article was originally published by i24NEWS.
