As it appears today, the incoming coalition government is aware that at the end of negotiations, the new ruling coalition will most likely be composed of the religious, right-wing and Likud, totaling 65, a somewhat less-than-optimal majority in the 120-seat Knesset.

The current law states that if the opposition achieves a 61 majority vote in a no-confidence vote, the coalition is toppled. Realizing such an eventuality is realistic with the marginal incoming coalition; efforts are already underway to change the law, demanding a majority vote of 70 to topple the ruling coalition.

Other changes are in the works, including the need for 60 MKs instead of 50 for a law that has budgetary ramifications and a new coalition bylaw that would prohibit a coalition MK from teaming up with an opposition MK to introduce a bill.

All of the legislative activity serves as confirmation that the incoming coalition is well-aware that it is resting on a shaky majority and any amendment to the law that will provide an increasingly stable position are welcome and necessary if the administration hopes to strive to live out a four-year term.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)