Olmert: Israel needs constitution

Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told the Knesset plenum on Monday that the next parliament should seek to draw permanent borders and adopt a constitution to ensure Israel remains a democratic and Jewish State.

Speaking during a ceremony marking the 57th anniversary of the Knesset, Olmert said: “The members of the 17th Knesset, which will enter this plenum in a number of months, will face a series of historical tasks. We will face a major task of establishing Israel as a democratic and Jewish state. The first step to reaching this objective will be the setting up of permanent borders. Another object which is no less important will be the realization of the commitment made in the declaration of independence to adopt a constitution.”

“The constitution will ensure that the State of Israel will act in accordance with Jewish and democratic ethics. It will ensure the protection of human rights and the establishment of clear regulations for government and of course the introduction of a fair system that will protect the rights of the Arab minority,” Olmert said.

Olmert added that the constitution will ensure government stability in a country where the average life of any government is 23 months.

“We need to prevent situations where ministers are replaced before having time to enter their offices. We need to ensure that stable government can overcome everyday considerations and take long-term decisions,’ Olmert said.

Netanyahu: U.S. model not for Israel

Likud leader and Olmert rival Benjamin Netanyahu also voiced unequivocal support for the adoption of a written constitution, saying “the reason we need a constitution is evident in the democratic elections of our neighbors…democratic elections are necessary but insufficient condition for democracy.”

Netanyahu also warned of the gradual erosion of Israeli democracy: “On the Knesset’s 57th birthday I wish to say something because the truth should be told. Despite Israel’s achievements, there is a problem of trust between the Knesset and the voters, between the public and its representatives, and it is true to say that a dangerously distorted image of the Knesset has been developed in the heads of the public and I think it is our task to stop this trend.”

He also warned of premising the constitution on the American model: “The constitution needs to protect the citizen from the group, from tyranny, but today it also has to provide tools for the government to protect itself and the citizens from the reality we live in.

Labor leader Amir Peretz also supported the adoption of a constitution, adding: “We will demand that civil rights are included in the constitution, not only as a lip service but as implemented articles. It is extremely important to include civil and social rights in the Israeli constitution."

"What’s the value of the right for expression if there are illiterate citizens? What is the point of the freedom of movement if there are pensioners who are deprived of mobility because of dire financial situations? What is the meaning of privacy when there are many homeless? What is the meaning of human dignity when beggars fill our streets and people search for food in bins?” Peretz said.

The Labor party leader added: “We have to make the constitution relevant for those whose situation is not improving, maybe mainly for those, and the way to do so is through civil and social rights.

Knesset speaker Reuven Rivlin added his voice to Olmert and Netanyahu, hoping the next parliament will discuss a bill for the adoption of a constitution.

“Without a written and well-defined constitution, the Knesset will continue to become weaker,” Rivlin said.