(VOVworld) – Israeli politicians announced the delay of a preliminary vote on a controversial "Jewish state" bill by another week.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [Photo: Reuters]

Analysts said approval of the proposed bill would further escalate tensions between Arab Israelis and Palestinians. It could also destabilize Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government due to fierce opposition from his moderate partners. Opponents said the bill undermines Israel’s democratic character, and human rights groups called it racist because it facilitated the institutionalization of racism against 1.7 million Arab Israelis. More negotiations will continue until the vote reaches its new deadline.