Tensions are running high as June 10, the date of Israel’s presidential elections, approaches. Officials in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office have suggested postponing the elections or even abolishing the institution of the presidency altogether. However, given that officials were debating eliminating political institutions, the more fruitful discussion on political reform would be establishing term limits for its prime ministers. Such a measure would ensure that Israel’s leaders do not accumulate excessive power, promote more alteration in power and conform to democratic norms worldwide.
Knesset member Nitzan Horowitz (Meretz Party), a former prominent Channel 10 journalist, emphasized the importance of term limits when he told Al-Monitor, “Limiting the term of office of elected officials in senior executive positions for two consecutive terms is essential to proper administration functioning. Prime ministers or mayors have broad authority and power. An endless term may create degradation.”
