Amid reports from chareidi lawmakers of cautious optimism vis-à-vis the passing of the new draft law, the Yisrael Beitenu party on Tuesday, 19 Adar announced if the law is passed, it will resign from the coalition.

Faction Chairman MK Robert Elituv announced the party will not remain a part of a coalition government that passes such a law. Speaking at the Sderot Conference, Elituv stated, “The draft law is a matter of principle for the Yisrael Beitenu party. We are not willing to compromise on issues related to the security of the state. Every citizen must contribute to the state, whether in military service or in national service.”

Elituv stressed: “We are saying clearly, if the draft law is passed in its present form in second and third readings, Yisrael Beitenu will withdraw from the coalition.”

Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said yesterday: “To pass such a complex and charged law, which has far-reaching implications, security and social, in three readings, within one week, is not legislation, but theft in the form of bang and be done. Instead of a law we get a parody” he said.

“We are not looking to dismantle the government and leave the coalition … We will fight from the inside until the last moment, but if the law passes the second and third readings, in the wording that is currently being discussed, we will have no choice but to come to conclusions. I hope that common sense will guide all of them,” Lieberman hinted.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)