Israeli cabinet has passed a draft law to punish Palestinians who mark the Nakba or Catastrophe Day--the anniversary of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, Press TV reported.
The Ministerial Committee for Legislation on Sunday approved a preliminary proposal which would make it illegal to hold events or ceremonies marking Nakba Day, which Israelis consider as their independence day following the 1948 war which forced many Palestinians to leave their lands.
Palestinian refugees around the world and Israel's Arab citizens mark the Nakba on May 15.
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman's ultra-nationalist Yisrael Beitenu Party has initiated the draft law.
According to the draft law, Palestinians who mark the occupation of their lands will be imprisoned for up to three years.
Israel's Arab members of parliament and civil rights groups have strongly criticized the move by the Israeli cabinet.
The draft law will be submitted to the Israeli parliament for approval next week.
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