Israel needs a thin constitution to bridge its political divide - opinion

Opposition leaders in Israel have presented a common set of principles for a future government, including equal burden sharing, a state commission of inquiry into October 7 failures, term limits for prime ministers, and adopting a constitution. The article argues that while the first three issues can be swiftly legislated, a full constitution is too complex and divisive for the current polarized climate. It proposes a 'thin constitution' focused solely on the relationships among government branches, which could command broader support. The writer is Yedidia Stern, president of JPPI and professor emeritus of law at Bar-Ilan University.

In a political first, Israel's opposition leaders have presented a common set of principles for the government they intend to form. Four issues top the agenda: equal sharing of the national burden, establishing a state commission of inquiry into the failures of October 7, instituting term limits for prime ministers, and adopting a constitution. The article argues that the first three issues can be implemented swiftly through legislation and enjoy relatively broad public support, even among some coalition supporters. However, adopting a full constitution is a complex legal, cultural, and social undertaking that requires broad public support to be legitimate and stable. Given Israel's polarization, broad agreement on the state's core identity and a bill of rights is unattainable. The article proposes a 'thin constitution' focused solely on the relationships among the branches of government, which could command broader support when viewed from behind a 'veil of ignorance.' The writer is Yedidia Stern, president of JPPI and professor emeritus of law at Bar-Ilan University.