March 17, 1992

Since the Constituent Assembly and the First Knesset are unable to put a constitution together, the Knesset legislates basic laws on various subjects. The Tenth Basic Law of Israel is passed by the Twelfth Knesset on March 17, 1992. It states that human rights are based on recognition of the value of man, the sanctity of life and the fact that he is free. Its aim is “to defend Human Dignity and Liberty, in order to establish the values of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.” It defines human freedom in Israel as being the right to leave and enter the country, to privacy, intimacy, refrainment from searches of private property, body, possessions, speech, writings, and notes. Violations of the dignity or freedom of man is permitted only in accordance with the law. The law includes an instruction regarding its permanence and protection from changes by means of emergency regulations.