BICOM

A lively debate took place yesterday as the Knesset Law, Constitution and Justice Committee debated an electoral reform bill which passed its first reading in July. If it becomes law, the electoral threshold would be raised, having a significant impact on smaller political parties.

The legislation proposes that the threshold be increased from two per cent to four per cent, in a bid to bring more stability to Israel’s typically fractious Knesset and coalition government. However, opponents of the bill argue that it is aimed at silencing smaller parties. In particular, small Arab parties currently in the Knesset would most likely need to consider joining forces if the legislation passes second and third readings after the Knesset returns to session later this month.

During yesterday’s debate, Jewish Home MK Orit Struck attacked the legislation, spearheaded by Yesh Atid and Yisrael Beitenu, saying that “the bill is not democratic and silences minority groups.” Meanwhile, Hadash MK Dov Henin warned that the bill is “meant to give power to a minority clique” and United Arab List MK Ahmed Tibi cautioned Yesh Atid MKs for supporting the bill, saying “You may need a low electoral threshold someday.”

Yesterday’s debate attracted further controversy, as some MKs, most vociferously Meretz’s Michal Roisin accused committee chairman, Yisrael Beitenu MK David Rotem of breaking an agreement to discuss the issue in detail once the Knesset returns to session. Netanyahu had apparently told the opposition in July that in return for not filibustering the first reading of the bill, there would later be a deeper discussion on electoral reform. However, Yesh Atid MK Ronen Hoffman countered “We’re having a meeting today and a series of deep discussions.”

An additional bill, alongside the electoral reform provisions, was also addressed yesterday, which would limit the number of cabinet ministers to nineteen, deputy ministers to four and the number of permitted no-confidence motions to one a month.