President Shimon Peres decided Monday to withdraw his request fromthe Knesset's House Committee to continue his role in various associations dedicated to commemorating Israel's first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion.
Peres' decision came in wake of the Knesset's legal council, Attorney Nurit Altstein's recommendation the committee deny his 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… this role does not require constant attendance but rather my taking part in the association's annual meeting," wrote Peres in his request to the House Committee.
The Knesset's legal council, however, was not convinced. In her review of the petition, Altstein stated that "the president's involvement with this association gives it special status and may be perceived as inappropriate favoritism," adding that Peres' link to the association might influence funds allocation decisions.
A Ynet survey revealed Sunday that the committee’s 25 members are inclined to deny the request. In view of the apparent objection to Peres' request, his representative in the committee's discussions, Attorney Moshe Shalit, decided to withdraw the request.