Last update - 00:00 06/12/2006
Defense panel chair proposes opening key debates to public
By Gideon Alon, Haaretz Correspondent
Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Tzahi Hanegbi (Kadima) has proposed that seven committee hearings each year be open to the public.
These hearings would be open to the media as well and be broadcast live on the Knesset television channel.
Since the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, all hearings of the committee have been held behind closed doors, and the protocols have been made public only after a period of thirty years.
According to Hanegbi's proposal, the public hearings would include annual presentations by the prime minister, the defense minister, foreign minister, chief of staff, the head of Shin Bet, the head of Military Intelligence, and the head of the National Security Council.
He said that the initiative is inspired by the traditions of the United States Congress, where open hearings are held with high-ranking government officials.
Hanegbi added that the changes would allow the public to take part in the dialog between the government and the parliament, and would strengthen the standing of the Knesset and the principles of democracy.
According to Hanegbi, committee staff are already consolidating a law on this concept, and the changes would require alterations be made to Knesset regulations.
Hanegbi presented the initiative to Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik and committee members. Next week, the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee is to hold a special discussion on Hanegbi's proposal, which, if approved, would go into effect in the coming year.