Many members of the Yisrael Beteinu Party on Wednesday absented themselves from the Knesset vote on the Kadima-sponsored Civil Marriage Bill, an issue that stood at the forefront of the Yisrael Beteinu party’s campaign. Those who were in the plenum voted against the bill. The move is a clear sign that Yisrael Beteinu is committed to remaining in the coalition, willing to betray many voters who were disappointed and angered upon hearing of the bill’s defeat in Knesset. The bill was defeated in a 63-38 vote.

Seeking to defend itself against vocal criticism, Yisrael Beteinu officials stated that Kadima is not serious, pointing out the party did nothing to promote civil marriage while in office. The media statement added that Kadima leader Tzipi Livni’s voice is loud and clear while in opposition, but when she was foreign minister, nothing was heard.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)