On the Written Constitution

Abstract

Since 1950 four Basic Laws have been enacted: The Knesset, Israel Lands, The President of the State and The Government.Some months ago the Ministry of Justice presented to the Ministerial Committee on Legislation the draft of a new Basic Law called Basic Law: Legislation. If this draft is approved by the Government, it will be presented to the Knesset as a Government Bill. The draft includes an outline of the basic principles and powers relating to legislation and the provisions which call for specific attention are as follows:a) A Basic Law shall bear the name “Basic Law”.b) A Basic Law, a law amending a Basic Law or a provision of law contradicting a provision of a Basic Law, shall require—on its final reading—the vote of a majority of members of the Knesset, provided the Basic Law involved does not explicitly require a larger majority.c) A provision amending a Basic Law or contradicting it shall have the force of law only if it states explicitly that it is to have that effect.