Israeli cabinet votes to change system of govt

The draft bill, which still faces three votes by the full Knesset in order to take effect, gives more power to the executive and raises the threshold parties would need to gain entry to parliament.

The draft, championed by Avigor Lieberman, the leader of the far-right Yisrael Beitenu party, passed by a vote of 12 for, 11 against and one abstention during the weekly cabinet meeting, a senior government official told reporters.

Supporters of the measure say the modifications would stabilize the political system of Israel, in which the average lifespan of a government in the past decade has been around 18 months.

Critics say the move would weaken parliament and place too much power in the hands of the executive.

Israeli media say Olmert supported the draft bill because he wants Lieberman to join his coalition government.

"Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is keen on having the cabinet approve Lieberman's proposal so it can be brought to the Knesset for a preliminary reading," said the liberal Haaretz daily.