Amid growing concerns of an IAF aerial assault against Iran, the cabinet on Sunday voted to expand the authority of the prime minister. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu now has unprecedented authority in a number of areas.

One amended matter is permitting Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to delay implementation of a motion passed by a ministerial committee. In addition, he can decide on the order of presenting items for a vote.

Kadima Party MK Shaul Mofaz, who heads the opposition, decried the move which he feels weakens the opposition at a critical time when the prime minister will be faced with critical decisions. Mofaz warns the move is a mistake and the approval shows a lack of judgment by those involved in the decision-making process, in this case the cabinet.

Former Labor Party leader MK Amir Peretz calls the move “undemocratic” and current Labor leader MK Shelly Yacimovich warns the move endangers the future of Israel as a democratic nation.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)