News Brief Israeli ministerial committee unanimously passes term limits bill

The ministerial committee for legislation voted unanimously to approve a bill that would set term limits for prime ministers, capping time in office at eight years.

“Term limits (instead of a term with limits) are an important principle at the foundation of the perception that the government works for the well-being of the citizens instead of itself and its survival,” Justice Minister Gideon Sa’ar wrote on social media.

Sa'ar's bill still must clear three Knesset readings before becoming law.

“Not having term limits for prime minister encourages corruption,” he said after Sunday’s meeting.

The bill would not apply retroactively. Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu served 12 consecutive years during his past run as the country’s premier and another term prior, but this law would not prevent him from serving again going forward.

However, what would apply to Netanyahu is another piece of legislation that Sa’ar is advancing to prevent anyone under indictment from forming a government. Netanyahu is currently standing trial on three separate corruption charges for which he claims he is innocent.