Israel’s Ministerial Committee for Legislation unanimously approved on Sunday a bill that would set term limits for the premiership, Ynet reports.
The proposed amendment to Israel’s quasi-constitutional Basic Laws — tabled by Justice Minister Gideon Sa’ar — would force a prime minister to step down after eight years in power, or, alternately, after serving two terms that followed two elections.
“Prolonged rule is a danger to the freedom of the nation and to the morality of its sons. It breeds corruption,” Sa’ar opened his Facebook post, evoking Menachem Begin, the former leader of the Likud party of which Sa’ar was a senior member before splintering off to form his New Hope party last year. “Term limits, in lieu of a limitless term, are an important principle at the foundation of the perception that the government works for the wellbeing of the citizens instead of itself and its survival. We will continue to strengthen Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.”
The draft bill must clear three Knesset plenum readings before becoming law and will not be retroactive, thus not affecting Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu — who had served as prime minister for 15 years in total over two non-consecutive terms — if he seeks reelection.
{Matzav.com Israel}
A government that murders its citizens should be overthrown immediately.