Jerusalem, 8 February 1998

CABINET APPROVES DRAFT GSS LAW
(Communicated by the Justice Ministry Spokeswoman)

The Cabinet today (Sunday), 8.2.98, approved the draft General Security
Services Law, as proposed by Justice Minister Tzahi Hanegbi.

The draft law will soon be submitted to the Knesset plenum after its
articles have been approved by the Ministerial Committee on Legislation.

During the Cabinet discussion, Justice Minister Hanegbi said: "The GSS law
-- in the format in which it has been submitted to the Cabinet -- is
without precedent anywhere in the world, in its scope and its
thoroughness. The State of Israel places itself at the forefront of
civilized countries, and anchors its secret services' authorities,
functions and goals in law."

The draft law details the methods by which ongoing and continuous
parliamentary and government oversight of the GSS's activities will be
maintained. Similarly, the law provides for the appointment of the
director of the GSS, the length of his/her term of office, how his/her
term may be terminated, the appointment of a GSS comptroller, etc.

.


  =====================================================================
        Information Division, Israel Foreign Ministry - Jerusalem
              Mail all Queries to   ask@israel-info.gov.il
                    URL: http://www.israel-mfa.gov.il
                         gopher://israel-info.gov.il
  =====================================================================