Thompson s 1996 statement can be validated by the Wye River Conference in 1998 and the formal agreement which the world viewed that fall at the Clinton White House attended by PLO Chairman Yassir Arafat, then Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Natenayuh, and the final peace-process appearance of King Hussein of Jordan. Re-electability is limited to a second consecutive term. I would disagree to an extent with Thompson s position. Although Thompson s points agree with my position that the President is a figurehead, a position that does not result in unimportance, Thompson does not include specific responsibilities of the figurehead. Such duties enter into the judicial realm where the President alone can pardon civilians and soldiers.
Israeli Presidents are responsible for a number of appointments, especially judicial appointments.
Also included are military judges via the Military Justice Law 5715-1995, a 1986 amendment. The President is designed to be a voice for the Jewish people, which is significant in how the President will view the Peace Process with the majority Muslim Arab nations. President Weizmann acts for the Jewish people by meeting with Diaspora Jewish leaders and promotes the Jewish culture. The slant the President takes toward Jewish Zionism and culture will influence the manner the educated citizenry will view Israels role in the peace process. In this case, ethnocentrism on behalf of a President could hurt relations with neighboring countries.