Despite the derogatory remarks and strong objections, the Mofaz Bill permitting seven MKs to break away from their party and move to another party passed its first reading in Knesset on Monday evening as expected, in a 62-47 vote. Kadima opposition MKs entered the plenum wearing white masks which has the inscription “it’s all about politics” as they tried to delegitimize the bill prior to the vote. They were escorted out of the plenum and reprimanded for their lack of respect for the forum.

In his remarks, MK Mofaz addressed the prime minister with harsh words of condemnation, stating “you are not in Cuba and citizens are not in N. Korea”. He stressed Israel is a democracy and as such, the law and democratic principles must be respected, rejecting the so-called Mofaz Bill which was obviously legislated to clear the way for Mofaz and his followers to break away from Kadima and join Kadima.

Mofaz on earlier occasions stated he plans to fight for the Kadima leadership position and has not intentions of returning to Likud, his former political home.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)