JERUSALEM (WJC)– The around half a million of Israeli citizens living overseas could soon get a vote in parliamentary elections. Under a bill presented by the Knesset members of the Israel Beiteinu party, which is headed by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Israeli citizens eligible to vote and holding citizenship for at least 10 years, would be allowed to take part in Knesset elections even though they reside outside the country.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanayhu lent his support to the proposal, saying it would “add to the connection with, and to the strength of, Israel” and noted that “this is acceptable in many countries.”
Two parties included in the government coalition – Shas and Labor – as well as the Kadima opposition voiced skepticism at the proposal. Kadima leader Tzipi Livni said “the privilege of determining the fate of Israel must be in the hands of those living in Israel and are willing to pay the price of their decisions in elections, for better or for worse. I believe that we must encourage Israelis to return to Israel, but the right to determine what will happen in the state needs to be reserved only for those who chose to base their future here.” Kadima filed a no-confidence motion in the Knesset against the government over the proposal.
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Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress