The Knesset on Monday, 15 Iyar, passed a bill in its final readings that grants authorization to the cabinet to declare war without consulting with the parliament. The bill was the initiative of Justice Minister (Bayit Yehudi) Ayelet Shaked, who explained that current realities in the region demand such legislation, to permit the cabinet to act if and when required, without delay.

Chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee, MK (Likud) Avi Dichter, a former director of the Shin Bet, was quick to announce the passing of the law is in no way a signal of events to come in the immediate future due to recent tensions along Israel’s northern border with Syria and Iran’s continued involvement in the region.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)