Israeli Electoral Reform: A Blueprint for Stability

Israel’s electoral system requires structural changes to address the instability evident in the 2019 to 2021 period of multiple elections and the mixed results of recent votes. Analysts suggest that specific reforms must wait until the primary political conflict between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s camp and its opposition subsides. However, the need for modification is now more apparent than at any previous point in the country's recent history.

The first proposed change involves implementing term limits for the prime minister. With Netanyahu, 77, nearing the end of his potential tenure, limits could prevent the system from becoming overly focused on a single leader. Options include two four-year terms similar to the United States, or two five-year terms similar to France. A decade is suggested as a maximum cutoff to ensure balance between competing political sides.

A reduction in the number of political parties is also recommended to eliminate sectarian fragmentation. Currently, most parties focus on narrow sector interests rather than national issues. Limiting the system to three or four large parties would force mainstream groups to incorporate minority sectors, such as Haredim, Israeli-Arabs, Sephardi Jews, and Russian Jews, under broader national platforms. This approach aims to shift focus from local interests to the national good.

Further reforms include connecting Knesset members to specific geographic constituencies rather than leaving them entirely dependent on party leaders. This structure would allow individual legislators to resist pressure from top party leadership while still functioning within a larger party framework. It is intended to prevent leaders from using their positions to blackmail members for personal interests, a problem observed on both the left and right sides of the political spectrum.

Constitutional changes are identified as a secondary priority. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar proposed a compromise mini-constitution on January 9, 2025, which sought to balance government and opposition influence over judicial appointments. This plan aimed to permanently limit the executive and legislative branches' ability to pass quasi-constitutional basic laws for short-term political goals. The proposal was designed to reduce mistrust between political factions by ensuring nominees from both sides.

The role of apolitical officials in key positions is another area of focus. The current political selection of the State Comptroller has led to a vacancy for several months due to pressure on Knesset members to violate secret ballots. Reform proposals suggest that non-political jurists and professionals should select candidates for roles such as the Attorney General, Police Chief, and Bank of Israel Chief. Political officials would retain final approval authority, but candidates would need to meet strict professional standards, such as having served as a major general in the Israel Defense Forces.

These structural changes are intended to provide a better framework for democratic stability. By limiting partisan control over critical appointments and consolidating political representation, the system aims to reduce the likelihood of internal conflict undermining the electoral process. The goal is to create a resilient framework that can withstand political pressure while maintaining effective governance.