Global connections
Research & archive
Historical material. Dates, proposals and invitations refer to the time of the original publication.
Public initiative aimed at improving the model of the state and increasing the influence of the population on the adoption and implementation of political decisions
Problem description
The federalization of Israel implies the creation of a political model of state structure aimed at strengthening the influence of local communities and at the adoption and implementation of political decisions at the local, regional and federal levels.
This model is based on the organizational and legal principle of subsidiarity, according to which management tasks should be carried out at the lowest or furthest from the center level at which their solution is possible and effective.
Decentralization will make it possible to approach the problem of territorial development and increase the human development index more specifically? taking into account the territorial and demographic specifics, as well as the religious and ethnic composition of the population.
Model description
The creation of regional parliaments based on the seven districts into which Israel is divided, in accordance with the model of the Israeli Interior Ministry.
Seven regional parliaments are elected with delegated powers and resources, including the collection of some taxes, for their implementation.
Two chambers: the proposed arrangement
| Chamber | Representation and role in the model |
|---|---|
| Lower, regional chamber | Majoritarian elections from the regions, with an equal number of representatives per region. Represents regional interests at federal level and the regions’ drive for greater autonomy. |
| Upper, political chamber | Proportional elections through party lists. Passes federal laws and decisions ratifying international agreements; in the author’s model, restrains separatist tendencies. |
Local communities and participation
Increasing the competence and activity of local communities in solving territorial and regional problems will require:
— Increasing the solidarity of local communities in solving the problems of their territories and the level of their competence by implementing permanent special educational programs;
— assistance in the creation of appropriate public structures, such as public councils at local government bodies and bodies of self-organization of the population;
— Legislative legitimization of bodies of self-organization of the population and delegating to them the power to solve the socio-economic problems of the territory of residence.
The development of solidarity and self-organization is proposed in accordance with Model 4C
Introduction of the Human Development Index as an integral indicator of social development and transparency of governance systems. Adaptation of existing indicators of the UNDP human development model to the needs of regional and local socio-economic governance.
The introduction of economic models, taking into account regional specifics, focused on the interests of local communities.
— improvement of legislation in the cooperative movement, including the construction industry;
— Development of social dialogue at the regional level, through the introduction of tripartism tools.
Description of activities
- Conducting research on public attitudes toward the idea of federalization, including as a tool for the peaceful resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict;
- Preparation of an analytical note on possible mechanisms of decentralization and the necessary changes in the regulatory framework;
- Initiate a public discussion and information campaign to ensure favorable public opinion about the process;
- Development of a campaign to promote the idea of federalization through social mobilization, lobbying, and elections.