Israel ‘Loyalty Oath’ Bill Voted Down in Committee

By Ann Flower Seyse
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

JERUSALEM, Israel – On May 31, the committee which advances bills to the Israeli parliament voted against proposing the ‘loyalty oath’ bill to the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament. The committee rejected the proposal eight votes to three.

The only votes in favor of this bill in committee were cast by members of the Yisrael Beitenu party, the same party that introduced the bill initially. The Yisrael Beitenu party has been described as “ultra right”, and is headed by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. This loyalty bill was one of Lieberman’s main campaign pledges.

Members of other parties thought that the bill’s intentions were discriminatory, and were glad to see that the majority of the people on the committee that concurred, and voted down the measure. Israeli Arab Lawmaker Jamal Zahalka called the vote “an achievement in the fight against fascism and racism.” 

The proposed legislation would have mandated that all Israeli citizens to swear allegiance to Israel as a “Jewish, Zionist, and democratic state before they could be issued national identification documents that are required for all citizens over age 16. The bill would have also forced all citizens to either work for a period of national service, or serve in the army. If a citizen did not comply with their service requirement their citizenship could be revoked. Many saw this bill as discriminatory, especially towards Arab citizens, and Orthodox Jews. Most Arab citizens do not serve in the Israeli military, though a few volunteer to serve.

The bill could still be “privately sponsored” by a member of the Yisrael Beitenu party, who introduced the bill initially. However, given the lack of support that this bill received in committee, it is unlikely to pass the legislature. It would be required to pass an extra, fourth vote on the Knesset floor.

For more information, please see:

Al Jazeera- Israel ‘Loyalty Law’ Rejected – 31 May 2009

AP- Israel Throws Out Proposed ‘Loyalty Law’– 31 May 2009

Reuters- Israeli Cabinet Rejects Proposed Loyalty Oath – 31 May 2009

Examiner- Hardline Israeli Party to Introduce Loyalty Bill– 25 May 2009

Author: Impunity Watch Archive