Otzma Yehudit Proposes Loyalty Oath Law, Demands New Elections
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Otzma Yehudit has proposed a bill requiring a loyalty oath for voters and lawmakers to Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. Party chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir also announced plans to petition for repeat elections, citing alleged foreign interference. The party argues that those who oppose Israel's nature should not influence its future. Ben-Gvir also highlighted his accomplishments as Minister of National Security.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Otzma Yehudit proposed a bill requiring voters and lawmakers to swear loyalty to Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.
- Chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir announced his party will petition for repeat elections, alleging foreign interference.
- The proposed law would prevent those refusing the oath from voting or serving in the Knesset.
- Ben-Gvir expressed pride in his actions as Minister of National Security, citing policy changes.
- The party opposes a government reliant on Arab parties, calling them 'Hamas supporters'.
Otzma Yehudit has introduced a new bill in the 26th Knesset that would require voters and lawmakers to declare loyalty to Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. The party's chairman, Itamar Ben-Gvir, also announced his intention to petition the court for repeat elections, alleging improper foreign interference in the recent vote.
The proposed legislation, submitted by faction head Yitzhak Kroizer, stipulates that any citizen wishing to vote must sign a declaration of loyalty to Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. Those who refuse will be barred from voting. The bill also seeks to amend the oath of allegiance for Knesset members, requiring an explicit commitment to Israel's Jewish and democratic character. Refusal would lead to exclusion from parliamentary proceedings, loss of benefits, and potentially termination of Knesset membership.
Otzma Yehudit explained the bill by stating that individuals who support terrorists or oppose Israel's existence as a Jewish and democratic state should not influence its future. Ben-Gvir, addressing the Knesset, thanked his party's over 320,000 voters for their support, calling it a significant endorsement of "true right-wing" politics.
Ben-Gvir asserted that the recent election was marred by serious bias and improper interference from foreign countries and funding, which he stated cannot be ignored. He announced that Otzma Yehudit will file a petition demanding new elections due to this alleged interference. He also linked the loyalty oath bill to his opposition to a government reliant on Arab parties, emphasizing that voters did not support a coalition with "Hamas supporters."
Reflecting on his tenure as Minister of National Security, Ben-Gvir expressed pride in his policies, including changes to terrorist conditions in prisons, arming civilians, combating illegal construction, and adopting an assertive stance against Israel's enemies. He characterized his leadership as action-oriented, stating he chose courageously to implement necessary changes rather than offer excuses.
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