MK Moshe Gafne has scored a victory as the vote for the amended draft law is scheduled to be held next Monday, 11 Kislev and not later in the week as was originally planned.

While the difference is literally a few days, it represents a political victory for Gafne, who was pushing to hold the vote prior to the vote on the state budget. This was not possible due to logistical reasons. The Moetzas Gedolei Hatorah of Agudas Yisrael met and gave its approval, permitting the budget vote to be held first and the budget on Thursday, 14 Kislev, relying on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s word. However Gafne was unwilling to accept this, insisting the vote can be moved up to Monday.

Gafne in recent days has been pushing this, to move the vote to Monday, explaining each day is important for it will be one day less of media badmouthing the chareidi tzibur for working to amend the bill.

Coalition Chairman Tzachi Hanegbi on Wednesday, 6 Kislev, confirmed the vote will be held on Monday in line with Gafne’s request.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)