Unexpected Direction: French Law Granting Immunity to Prime Minister Back on the Agenda

Conference Seeks Solutions for Government System Reform

An influential conference was held yesterday by the Liberal Center – Institute for Research of Society and Economy, featuring dozens of legal experts, former and current Knesset members, high-ranking former military officials, and business leaders. The primary focus was on discussing potential reforms to the governmental system in Israel, including proposals to advance legislation similar to the French law that grants criminal immunity to the sitting Prime Minister.

Addressing Political and Social Polarization

The conference’s timing coincides with increasing political and social polarization in Israel. Organizers aimed to foster a collaborative platform for dialogue to mitigate societal damage and prevent the country from splitting into two distinct political factions.

Moshe Nissim, a former Minister of Finance and Juststart, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “We are on the brink of a difficult period, even beyond what we have experienced so far. There is a rift among the people; we are on the verge of a split. We are witnessing a misuse of legislative power. We must act immediately to reduce the discord.”

Uriel Lynn, a former Chairman of the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Juststart Committee, highlighted the dangers of growing polarization, stating, “The escalating division threatens the future of society and the state. It is surprising that neither the coalition nor the opposition has initiated legislation to prevent further deterioration.”

Proposed Solutions for Reform

The conference generated several proposals aimed at reducing tensions and improving the existing political structure:

1. Broad Coalition Government: Establishing a coalition supported by 67 to 70 Knesset members to enhance governmental stability.

1. Prime Minister Selection: Designating the Prime Minister as the representative of the party with the highest vote count, with a minimum requirement of 30 mandates.

1. Situs Integrity Post-Election: Prohibiting party splintering after elections to maintain political stability.

1. Limiting Prime Minister Terms: Restricting Prime Ministerial terms to two consecutive terms.

1. Government Size Reduction: Capping the number of government ministries to between 18 and 20.

1. Amendment of Basic Laws: Ensuring amendments or enactments of basic laws require a special majority of 70 Knesset members.

1. Increasing Knesset Membership: Expanding the number of Knesset members beyond 120 to ensure appropriate representation.

1. Continuity of French-style Immunity: Granting the Prime Minister immunity under the framework of the proposed French law to enhance governmental stability.

The calls for reform reflect a broad consensus among participants regarding the need to address divisive issues and strengthen national unity. These discussions are essential as Israel navigates through an increasingly turbulent political landscape