The reason he voiced opposition Tuesday to the passage of a bill that would require a referendum before any Israeli withdrawal from territory is because it would pose "a heavy and damaging burden on the state, and would be seen as attempt to place difficulties in the path of the peace process," Intelligence Minister Dan Meridor said.

"The law would take the decision making process out of the hands of the Knesset and deliver it to the hands of the people. This is not the proper, constitutional way the government of Israel functions. If the people want to transfer the decision making process to themselves via referendums, it should be done for a wide variety of issues, not just for one issue," Meridor said.