Israeli election season starts early
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition is submerged in a general pre-election atmosphere, where each party tries to score points with its electorate and the media.
On the afternoon of May 12, just a few hours after the Knesset returned from its spring break, Science Minister Yaakov Peri (Yesh Atid Party) appealed a decision by the Ministerial Committee on Legislation approving the “Murderers Law” initiated by Knesset member Ayelet Shaked (HaBayit HaYehudi Party) and David Tsur (Hatnua Party). The proposed law would have limited the ability to grant clemency to terrorists who committed murder.
In explaining the reasons for the appeal, Peri, former head of the Shin Bet, argued that the proposed law, which enables the court to prevent the president from granting a pardon to terrorists, would harm Israel’s ability to conduct negotiations. He stated that these negotiations were vital to the diplomatic and security interests of the state.
As would only be expected, moments after the news of the appeal was publicized by Yesh Atid’s talented media team, a public quarrel erupted with Knesset members from the two parties. This quarrel culminated in a dire warning from the chairman of HaBayit HaYehudi Party, Trade and Economy Minister Naftali Bennett, that any delay in approving the law would put people’s lives at risk.
“I have not and will not have any tolerance or patience for political games being played at the expense of laws that are vital to the security of the State of Israel,” Bennett wrote brashly on his Facebook page. He then awarded a “mark of shame to Yesh Atid, which has now stopped the advance of a law intended to prevent the release of terrorists.” Other Knesset members from his faction responded by promising to sabotage any future bills proposed by Yesh Atid.
