Tens of thousands of Israeli Druze protest Jewish nation law

It marked the first time in recent memory that the Druze — followers of a secretive offshoot of Shia Islam who are considered fiercely loyal to the state — staged a large public protest. 

The law, which passed last month and is part of Israel's so-called basic laws, a de facto constitution, proclaims the country the nation state of the Jewish people.

It makes no mention of equality or democracy, implying the country's Jewish character takes precedence, and speaks of Israel as the historic homeland of the Jews, who have a "unique" right to self-determination within its borders.

Palestinian citizens of Israel have strongly criticised the legislation, together with Israel's 130,000-strong Druze community.

Druze are subject to compulsory service in the military or police alongside Jewish Israelis.

Holding colourful Druze flags, protestors at Saturday's demonstration chanted "equality".

"Despite our unlimited loyalty to the state, the state doesn't consider us equals," Israeli Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Muafak Tarif said in a speech.

The Druze, who also live in other parts of the region including in Syria and Lebanon, have managed to survive by showing loyalty to their country of residence.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu had conducted a series of meetings with the Israel's Druze leadership, telling them there was "nothing in this law that infringes on your rights as equal citizens of the state of Israel".

But the meetings and implications of new pro-Druze legislation have not eased their discontent, with a number of junior Druze military officers resigning from the Israeli army in protest.