PM tells Mazuz: Joint declaration to be presented for Knesset approval
Despite past statements that a joint declaration does not require Knesset approval, PM tells attorney general: Any document which expresses Israeli commitment to significant political-military issue will be presented to plenum
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is set to present a joint declaration with the Palestinians for Knesset approval, Attorney General Menachem Mazuz informed Knesset Member Gideon Sa'ar Monday.
Sa'ar asked Mazuz to instruct the prime minister to present to the Knesset any agreements reached with the Palestinians, even if it is just a "joint declaration."
The attorney general contacted the prime minister who clarified that "every document which expresses Israeli commitment to a significant political-military matter... will be brought before the Knesset... in accordance with the accepted practice of the State of Israel and as the government of Israel has been doing for generations with regard to significant political documents."
Mazuz added in his letter to Sa'ar that the prime minister had noted that it is not possible at this point in time to evaluate progress made with the Palestinians, and there is no way of knowing whether an agreement will in fact be formulated and what it will entail, yet nonetheless it will be brought before the Knesset for ratification.
He also clarified that the final results of the diplomatic process will be brought for government discussion.
Contrary to recent statements conveyed by the prime minister to the attorney general, whereby Olmert said that "even if understandings are reached with the Palestinians during the winter session, Knesset members will not be asked to vote on them, "Olmert clarified that "a joint declaration" is on the agenda and not a declaration of principles which he said "does not require the Knesset's approval."
