Referendum bill approval postponed; Golan community angered

Is the 'referendum bill' finally on its way to being approved? Not yet.The Knesset was holding its breath on Monday in anticipation for a vote on the application of the 'rule of continuity' on a bill requiring a referendum in case Israel seeks to withdraw from its sovereign territories, including the Golan Heights. 

According to the rule of continuity, legislative procedures will pick up where they left off in the previous Knesset. However, the vote was canceled in the last minute, apparently due to 'orders from above'.

"The government informed me that the vote could not be held today since one of the ministers appealed against the bill," explained Knesset Member Yariv Levin (Likud) who heads the committee which is set to draft the bill.

Levin noted that the minister is question is Intelligence and Atomic Energy Minister Dan Meridor. "I was told that should the vote be held today, the government would have no choice but to oppose the bill," Levin added.

The MK further noted that the cabinet secretary pledged on behalf of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the government will make a decision on the matter within a month. Other coalition elements added that Labor party members also pressed for a discussion on Meridor's appeal prior to the Knesset vote.

The legislative process began two and a half years ago with the initiative of former Kadima Knesset Member Avigdor Yitzchaki. Last June the bill passed in first hearing, however legislative procedures came to a halt due to the elections.

The process was renewed in the Knesset's Constitution Committee last July under the current coalition's initiative, which decided that the Knesset would vote on the application of the rule of continuity. The vote was scheduled to take place on Monday, however the plan did not follow through.

Golan community angered

Head of the Golan Regional Council, Eli Malka, responded angrily to the decision, saying, "Trickery and scheming is not the proper way to prevent a democratic vote in the Knesset," Malka said.

But members of the Golan Community Center aren't preparing for a protest just yet. Center member Uri Heitner said, "It is very disappointing and frustrating. Not approving the bill doesn't mean that we need to go on protest tomorrow morning, but should we find the need to do so in the future I am confident the Golan residents, as many in Israel, would understand the importance of the Heights and would fight for it."

Heitner further added, "What pains me is that it was Minister Meridor of all people, a model of the gallantry of the rule of law in Israel, is using tricks. In 1999 the Knesset passed the Golan bill and in order to complete it the referendum bill needs to pass. It's a shame that even after 10 years there are still foot-dragging attempts."

Referring to the principal of the referendum Heitner said, "In all of the European countries they hold referendums on joining the European Union and changes to government policy in all areas of life. Some of the referendums are accepted and some denied and it's a testament to democracy. Israel, which pretends to uphold its democratic nature, must also adopt and approve the referendum bill."

Minister Meridor was declined comment.

Hagai Einav contributed to this report