Arab lawmakers next week are expected to vote in favor of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and his government rather than raising their hands in favor of dissolving the current Knesset.

While there is no love affair between Olmert and the Arab parties, the legislators are aware that according to the polls, going to national elections may result in a rise of a right-wing government headed by Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu.

MK Talab El-Sana (Ta’al) released a statement that just because Olmert is under investigation does not necessarily mean he is compelled to resign from office. He explained this is not the first time a prime minister is under investigation and therefore, he does not see the urgency to dissolve the government. El-Sana stated he does not feel compelled to reward the right-wing [by dissolving the government].

The veteran lawmaker added that Olmert is at least working to hammer out peace agreements in addition to the fact he fears if Likud comes to power, Netanyahu would once again cut monthly child allowance payments.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)