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Basic Law: Referendum

חוק-יסוד: משאל עם

Published: 2014-03-19Consolidated Hebrew text as of 2023-09-18 · Last amended 2014-03-19✓ Amendment status checked against the Knesset legislation record on 2026-09-05
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Unofficial English translation — for reference only. It may contain errors or omissions and cannot be relied on as a legal text. Only the Hebrew text published in Reshumot is legally binding.More

This English text was translated from the official Hebrew using a range of translation tools, and it undergoes ongoing checks and updates. It is not a certified translation.

Despite these checks, it may contain errors, omissions, or imprecise renderings of legal terminology and cross-references, and it may not yet reflect the latest amendments. It cannot be relied upon as a legal text.

The Hebrew text as published in Reshumot (ספר החוקים) and on the Knesset website is the sole authoritative and legally binding version. In any discrepancy, the Hebrew text prevails.

This translation is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For use in legal proceedings, request a certified Expert Legal Opinion.

Referendum§

1.
(a)Where the Government has resolved to ratify an agreement or to sign an agreement whereby the law, jurisdiction and administration of the State of Israel shall no longer apply to a territory to which they apply, including an agreement that contains a future commitment or a conditional commitment, the agreement shall, after having been approved by the Knesset by a majority of its members, require approval by referendum, unless it was approved by a majority of eighty members of the Knesset.
(b)Where the Government has resolved, otherwise than by way of an agreement, that the law, jurisdiction and administration of the State of Israel shall no longer apply to a territory to which they apply, the decision shall, after having been approved by the Knesset by a majority of its members, require approval by referendum, unless it was approved by a majority of eighty members of the Knesset.

The Right to Participate in the Referendum§

2.

Every person who would have been entitled to participate in elections to the Knesset had they been held on the date of the conduct of the referendum shall be entitled to participate in the referendum.

Application of Provisions§

3.

The provisions of the law concerning elections to the Knesset shall apply to the conduct of the referendum, with the necessary modifications and with such modifications as are prescribed by law.

Stability§

4.

Emergency Regulations may not amend this Basic Law, temporarily suspend its validity, or impose conditions upon it.

Rigidity§

5.

This Basic Law may only be amended by a Basic Law passed by a majority of the members of the Knesset.

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Basic LawConstitutional & Basic Laws

חוק-יסוד: משאל עם

mishål eém

Referendum Law

Basic Law Referendum

Chok Yesod Mishål Eím

referendum

public vote

national referendum

democratic vote

popular referendum Israel