The Israeli cabinet on Sunday approved a bill requiring new immigrants to pledge loyalty to the "Jewish and democratic" state. The language has triggered charges of racism from Arab politicians who see it as undermining the rights of the country's Arab minority.
It has raised tensions with Palestinians at a time when peace talks are deadlocked over Israel's refusal to extend a moratorium on new building in West Bank Jewish settlements.
The bill is backed by Yisrael Beitenu, an ultra-nationalist party whose leader, Avigdor Lieberman, has been a vocal critic of Israel's settlement freeze.
Sunday's vote may be a way to soften Lieberman's opposition to extending the slowdown, though officials have denied there is any connection