President Shimon Peres asked the Knesset's House Committee Wednesday to allow him to continue taking an active role in various associations dedicated to commemorating Israel's first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion.
The Knesset's legal council, attorney Nurit Altstein, submitted a legal opinion recommending the committee deny Peres' request.
Shortly after taking office, Peres approached the House Committee, requesting he be allowed to hold his position as head of the David Ben-Gurion Research Center and several of its associations.
"In all my years as a minister I asked – and had received – a special permit to keep an active role in this association," wrote Peres to the House Committee.
"This role does not require constant attendance but rather involve my taking part in the association's annual directors' meeting."
A matter of appearances
The Knesset's legal council, however, was not convinced. In a comprehensive review submitted to the committee, Altstein stated that "the president's involvement with this association gives it special status and may be perceived as inappropriate favoritism."
Altstein further warned that Peres' link to the association might influence decision-makers when the question of funds arises.
"The fact Mr Peres kept an active role in this institution in the past does not take away from the fact that doing so while acting as the president of Israel would be inappropriate.
"Granting the president's request, when there is no precedent for such a case, may gnaw at the presidency's unique, independent status," wrote Altstein.
The MKs themselves seemed ambivalent as to Peres' request. MK Zahava Gal-On, chairwoman of the Meretz faction, called the request "outrageous", saying "Peres should remember he was chosen as everyone's president and that includes all of Israel's associations."
MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima), on the other hand, said he saw nothing wrong with it. "With all due respect to the Knesset legal council, this is a decision for the House Committee," he said, adding that there was no reason for the House Committee to deny the president his volunteer work.
MK Yuli Edelstein (Likud) said he believed that such requests should not be granted in general. MK Nissim Ze'ev (Shas), said he saw no conflict of interest in Peres' request, but added he wants to look over Altstein notes before the vote.
Yoram Dori, Peres' adviser, told Ynet the president would abide by the committee's decision, no matter which way it goes.
"The commemoration of David Ben-Gurion is very important to Peres, which is why he made the request to continue his work at the center. If the committee denies it – so be it."