Last update - 00:00 18/10/2006
Knesset rejects proposal requiring voter loyalty to state
By Gideon Alon, Haaretz Correspondent
The Knesset on Wednesday rejected a bill that would require Israeli citizens to declare their loyalty to the State of Israel as a condition for their right to vote.
The bill, which was introduced by MK Zvi Hendel (National Union-NRP) was rejected by an overwhelming majority of 45-17, with the majority of its support coming from right-wing MKs.
Hendel maintains that according to current voting laws there are no restrictions on voters, therefore creating an absurd situation in which hostile citizens who do not view Israel as both a Jewish and democratic state are still allowed to vote.
Hendel's proposal would require the voter to sign a declaration proclaiming loyalty to Israel, to its laws, and to its identity as a Jewish and democratic state.
Justice Minister Meir Sheetrit said that the ministerial committee for legislation opposed the bill on the grounds that the right to vote is a basic right. He also said the Knesset has never passed a law restricting a citizen's ight to vote, adding that Hendel's proposal showed lack of tolerance and had no place in legislation.