Netanyahu plan for expatriate vote sparks political row in Israel

Feb 9, 2010, 10:42 GMT

Tel Aviv - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to introduce legislation to allow expatriates to vote in Israeli elections, in a move expected to strengthen nationalist and hawkish parties in future polls, but condemned by opposition parties.

Netanyahu's Spokesman Mark Regev said Tuesday that the premier's plan has not yet metamorphosed into a specific proposal.

Howwever, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, of the ultra- nationalist Yisrael B'Teinu party, Netanyahu's largest coalition partner, told his parliamentary caucus that a bill on this matter would come before parliament in April.

Over 500,000 Israelis who were eligible to vote are believed to have been abroad during Israel's last elections one year ago. By law, Israelis living overseas are not allowed to vote in Israeli elections. The exceptions are diplomats and mariners.

Speaking to his Likud Party caucus Monday afternoon, Netanyahu said his plan would 'add to the connection with and to the strength of Israel.'

The premier's remarks unleashed a storm of protest in Israel, with opposition parties quick to condemn the initiative.

Leader of the Opposition Tzipi Livni, said in a statement that 'the right to determine the fate of Israel should be in the hands of those who live in Israel and are prepared to bear the burden of their decisions ion the elections - for better or for worse.'

Her centrist Kadima Party has filed a motion of no confidence on the issue.

Legislator Haim Oron, of the liberal-left Meretz party, said that 'it is appropriate for the leadership and face of the country to be determined only by those who live there.'

'Life is not a talk back,' he said.