997, 79)
The Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel, proclaimed by the Provisional Government and the Provisional Council of State on May 14, 1948, mentioned a draft constitution to be prepared by a constitutional committee and to be adopted by an elected constituent assembly not later than October 1, 1948. After convening on February 14, 1949, the Constituent Assembly converted itself into a legislative body and enacted the Transition Law, commonly referred to as the "small constitution." The Constituent Assembly could not agree on a comprehensive written constitution, primarily for fear that a constitution would unleash a divisive conflict between religious and state authorities. The ensuing parliamentary debate, from February 1 through June 13, 1950, between those favoring a written constitution and those opposing it, was a microcosm of the conflict between state and religious interests that would continue to agitate Israeli political life. (Peretz, Doron, 1997, 127)
...