In a significant move, Israel’s parliament has passed a law mandating diplomats to pledge allegiance to Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. The amendment to the Civil Service Law, backed by former Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen, requires diplomats to take the oath before assuming leadership roles in diplomatic missions or consulates.
The new oath, which states, “I pledge to bear allegiance to the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state,” aims to ensure that diplomats represent Israel’s core values while serving abroad. The head of a diplomatic or consular mission is seen as the official representative of the sovereign in a foreign state, tasked with expressing the government’s policies faithfully.
The amendment is an addition to the existing declaration requirement for all civil servants, who are already obligated to promise to “keep faith with Israel and its laws and fulfill any duty imposed on me as a civil servant honestly and faithfully.”
Former foreign minister Eli Cohen defended the proposed amendment before the Knesset Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee, emphasizing the importance of diplomats recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. Cohen argued that this is a fundamental agreement across the political spectrum, crucial for those representing Israel on the global stage.
Cohen highlighted a specific case in 2022, where former Meretz MK Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi was considered for the position of Israel’s consul-general in Shanghai. Zoabi’s refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, along with her derogatory remarks towards IDF soldiers and lack of respect for the state’s symbols, led to concerns.
In response to Zoabi’s potential appointment, then-opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu criticized it as a “scandal” and urged the cancellation of her nomination. Zoabi eventually withdrew her candidacy, contributing to the collapse of the Bennet-Lapid government a few weeks later.
The new law reflects Israel’s emphasis on ensuring that its representatives abroad align with the country’s foundational principles, reinforcing the commitment to being both a Jewish and democratic state.
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