Realizing the ruling coalition was not going to fall in the no-confidence motion on Monday, the Yisrael Beitenu party in a rare move did not vote in support of the coalition in the motion. Some of the party’s 15 ministers and MKs were present during the no-confidence motion sponsored by Kadima and the Arab parties, yet they did not raise their hands in support of the coalition.

According to senior party official Minister of National Infrastructure Dr. Uzi Landau, the move does not represent a rebellion, rather the party signaling coalition leaders it is serious regarding demands to fulfill coalition agreement promises. Landau stated that for the time being, the party will not vote with the coalition in private or government-sponsored bills, stating the straw that broke the camel’s back was this week’s decision by the Ministerial Legislative Committee to reject a bill from MK Matalon seeking to revoke Yigal Amir’s right to vote.

Landau added that a letter was sent to coalition chairman MK Elkin about two weeks ago, informing him Yisrael Beitenu no longer views itself as bound in coalition votes if the coalition continues to violate its coalition agreement. Other examples cited were the bill to grant priority status to IDF vets as candidates for future posts in the diplomatic corps, finding a solution to citizens seeking a solution to wed, and granting voting rights to Israeli living abroad.

Elkin responded, flexing his coalition muscle, stating that the opposition was defeated in the no-confidence motion without Yisrael Beitenu’s support, expressing confidence that the crisis will be resolved.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)