The current security situation and terrorist attacks in recent weeks have forced the Israeli leadership to get out of its complacency and take significant steps in an attempt to restore the safety of Israeli citizens.
Actions including demolishing the homes of terrorists, revoking citizenship, enforcing financial sanctions as measures against terror on one hand, and changing the rules of engagement and increasing police and military presence in the areas of conflict on the other were all accompanied by many deliberations and questions. The main question is will they pass the test of Supreme Court? Will the pass the test of the Attorney General?
The strength of the judicial system on all its levels is great. Beginning with the Supreme Court and down to the legal advisor of a governmental office – the government systems are based on their decisions, and not always in the appropriate degree.
In the last week the government has shown that this reliance is limited, and the government has the ability to make independent decisions.
Two bills based on proposals brought forward by the Legal Forum were approved in the first reading of bills by the Knesset.
The first bill by Minister Yariv Levin states that convicted terrorists will have their drivers licensed revoked.
The second bill by Minister Shaked concerns the enforcement of tougher punishments on stone throwers.
The two bills have been transferred to the Knesset’s Constitution and Law Committee for preparation for their second and third readings.
The Legal Forum recognizes a significant change due to the fact that three years ago we demanded that the rules of engagement become more lenient, that terrorist homes are demolished, financial sanctions are enforced upon them and their families, their driver’s licenses are revoked and that harsher punishments are enforced on stone throwers. These demands are now being implemented when war is raging in the streets. Although these changes have taken a long time to be put into action, it is always better late than never.
The Legal Forum is continuing to take necessary actions in order to restore Israel’s national strength.
The Forum has opened a new department advising terror victims. The department is made up of experienced attorneys who specialize in filing petitions against the National Security Institute. They will assist in criminal proceedings and representation in lawsuits for damages against terrorists
In addition the Forum is preparing a legal professional opinion regarding collective punishment.
A position paper on revoking citizenship is in the final stages of preparation.
The Forum’s activities are all aimed at restoring the balance between the authorities so that the Knesset and government may function with moderate monitoring from the judicial system. Reality has shown that only when Israel faces extreme situations it begins to govern. It is the Forum’s hope that the government continue to lead the State of Israel to a better future.
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