Government backs loyalty pledge for diplomatic postings

The government has thrown its weight behind a draft bill to force senior Israeli diplomats to pledge allegiance to Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, as a pre-condition to receiving their postings.

Backed by Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and advanced by the Ministerial Committee on Legislation, the bill would amend the law on diplomatic service appointments to say that the heads of diplomatic missions and consulates have to swear fealty before receiving their official appointments.

Last year, the former government considered appointing then-lawmaker Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi as consul in Shanghai, as part of an attempt to remove her from the Knesset.

Rinawie Zoabi torpedoed key votes as part of her criticism of Israel’s treatment toward Palestinians and its Arab citizens.