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Israeli election season starts early

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition is submerged in a general pre-election atmosphere, where each party tries to score points with its electorate and the media.
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - FEBRUARY 05: Yair Lapid leader of the Israeli Yesh Atid party (L) and Naftali Bennett, head of Israel's Jewish Home party attend the swearing-in ceremony of the 19th Knesset, the new Israeli parliament, on February 5, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel.  The 120 members included a record 48 new law makers.  (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images)
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On the afternoon of May 12, just a few hours after the Knesset returned from its spring break, Science Minister Yaakov Peri (Yesh Atid Party) appealed a decision by the Ministerial Committee on Legislation approving the “Murderers Law” initiated by Knesset member Ayelet Shaked (HaBayit HaYehudi Party) and David Tsur (Hatnua Party). The proposed law would have limited the ability to grant clemency to terrorists who committed murder.

In explaining the reasons for the appeal, Peri, former head of the Shin Bet, argued that the proposed law, which enables the court to prevent the president from granting a pardon to terrorists, would harm Israel’s ability to conduct negotiations. He stated that these negotiations were vital to the diplomatic and security interests of the state.

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