The Knesset today, voted down two motions to dissolve the coalition and call for general elections. The bills presented by Labor MK Yitzchak Herzog were defeated in a 53-27 vote.

On another front, a chareidi draft bill presented by Yisrael Beitenu was defeated as well. The bill was supported by the 15 members of Yisrael Beitenu along with 5 votes from Kadima. The bill called for mandatory service at the age of 18, making provisions for 1,000 avreichim annually to continue learning in addition to 1,000 outstanding athletes to continue training. The bill would have removed benefits for those persons classified as draft dodgers. 74 MKs voted against the bill.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)