Joint Knesset committees passed on first reading Wednesday morning a bill requiring approval of two-thirds of the Knesset Members for a withdrawal from the Golan Heights. The proposal provides for a public referendum if surrendering the Golan does not pass the Knesset.

The bill originally was proposed by former Kadima MK Avigdor Yitzchaki. Law Committee chairman MK Menachem Ben Sasson (Kadima) opposed the bill and said it would change the Basic Law, which requires only an absolute majority of 61 MKs. Labor MKs backed the measure.

The Golan Heights, similar to eastern Jerusalem, is legally a part of Israel and any change in its status requires an absolute majority.