Israel's prime minister says he would want a referendum on a peace deal with Palestinians
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this Monday, Nov. 29, 2010 file photo, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the media in Tel Aviv. Israel’s prime minister insisted Wednesday, May 1, 2013, that the conflict with the Palestinians is not about territory, but rather the Palestinians’ refusal to recognize Israel as the Jewish homeland, appearing to counter a modified peace proposal from the Arab world. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty, File) (The Associated Press)
Israel's prime minister says that if he reaches a peace deal with the Palestinians, he would hold a national referendum on any agreement.
Negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians have been frozen for more than four years, but the referendum issue has been debated in Israel recently.
Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he "would be interested" in a national vote if a deal is reached.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The issue is contentious. Opponents say a deal should be decided by elected legislators while supporters say a referendum would provide popular legitimacy.
Israel passed a law in 2010 that would require a two-thirds parliamentary majority or, failing that, a referendum on ceding the Golan Heights or east Jerusalem, which the Palestinians claim as the capital of their hoped-for state. Both areas were captured in 1967.