The government has opened the door to the idea of allowing the police to join a union, following a declaration by the police association that the wish to join a union was not motivated by the desire to have a right to strike.

The association agrees with imposing the necessary restrictions and following this clarification, the government spokesman said, the ministry feels the need to further examine the proposal.

The issue was first raised six years ago by the police association, which holds that the police must be backed by a union to safeguard their rights.

However, the police negotiations board, which represents the management of the force, had immediately shot down the proposal.

The subject was recently brought up by the opposition and trade unions, which unanimously expressed their support.

The matter can only be decided by the government, which would have to amend the law that bars the police from joining a union.

Last month, a government spokesman said the Justice and Home Affairs Ministry was not convinced that allowing the police to join a union would be of benefit to themselves or to society.