News Brief

(IsraelNN.com) A majority of 61 Knesset Members back a bill that would require two-thirds of the Knesset to agree to a surrender of the Golan Heights to Syria, National Union MK Eliyahu Gabbai said. Current law requires an absolute majority of 61 MKs to overturn the law that annexed the strategic Golan to Israel. Syria has said that Israel's giving up the area is a condition for direct talks with Israel.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced last week that the government is holding indirect talks with Syria through Turkish mediators but told a Knesset panel Monday that he has not committed himself to anything.

The bill requiring a two-thirds majority was filed by MK Gabbai, who said the 61st MK will sign on Tuesday that he backs the proposal. Co-signers include Shas party leader Eli Yishai and MKs from the Kadima and Labor parties, who are members of the coalition. Requiring a two-thirds majority would make it virtually impossible for the government to surrender the Golan Heights.