The development of Israeli legislators' attitudes towards the rights of the mentally ill.

This article gives an overview of the Israeli legislators' handling of the rights of mentally ill persons. The developments and lacunae in the successive legislative provisions since 1955 until 1991 on the subject are critically examined. The role behind the scenes of politicians in shaping mental health legislation is highlighted. The article concludes with some proposals relating to future developments in the protection of the rights of the mentally ill.