Opposition leader Tzipi Livni
criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to submit a bill
allowing all Israeli citizens to vote abroad, saying such a bill "would not be an expression of democracy."
Speaking to Ynet Monday night, the Kadima chairwoman hinted that the bill was aimed at garnering more support for the rightist bloc in the next elections, adding that she plans to lead a public campaign against the initiative.
"This law is immoral. Netanyahu
has yielded to (Yisrael Beitenu chairman Avigdor) Lieberman's demands. This is the same Netanyahu who failed in the previous elections and needed a bloc in order to form a coalition. This initiative is a continuation of the government's efforts to secure a political majority," she said.
According to Livni, only those who reside in Israel should have the privilege of influencing local politics. "Elections in Israel are about Israel's character and future. Such decisions should lie with those who live here," she claimed.
The Absorption Ministry estimated that some 750,000 people who hold Israeli citizenship live abroad.
Earlier Monday, Netanyahu told a Likud faction meeting that the bill "will contribute to the connection and to Israel's strength."
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