Rivlin urges change in system of government

President Reuven Rivlin finishes consultations with representatives of parties that won seats in the 20th Knesset.

Rivlin calls for a change in the system of government in Israel: the prime minister should be head of the largest party, he says, and can be only replaced by a special majority. The president says the current system lacks stability.

Member of the Meretz party meet with President Reuven Rivlin at the president’s residence in Jerusalem on March 23, 2015. (photo credit: David Vaaknin/pool)

He suggests implementing his proposal in the framework of a constitution which would balance Israel’s democracy with its character as a Jewish state.

Rivlin makes the comments on the sidelines of his meeting with Isawi Frij and Ilan Gilon, who came to represent Meretz in talks on recommending a candidate for the role of prime minister. Meretz recommends Isaac Herzog, but it doesn’t make much difference as Netanyahu already enjoys a majority of 67 MKs.

Rivlin expressed joy that Meretz made it into the government: “Your party is a vital asset of Israeli political life and I am proud to receive you here.”

MK Frij raises what he called the Arab population’s demand that Netanyahu apologize for his comments on Election Day.

MK Gilon says “we were here many times but never to meet a president who is also a friend. We’ve been through some hard days ,and today too, we come worried, but this house is a temple of moderation and calmness at times like these.”