Israel: Prime Minister Bennett’s ruling coalition loses parliamentary majority

The ruling coalition of Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett today lost its majority in parliament following the sudden departure of a right-wing lawmaker, who was greeted by the opposition.

The departure of Edith Silman, a lawmaker from Bennett’s right-wing Yamina party, leaves the 60-seat Knesset-led coalition.

“I have tried the path of unity. I have worked hard for this coalition, but unfortunately I can not harm the Jewish identity of Israel,” Silman said in a statement today.

Naftali Bennett and centrist Jair Lapid formed a diverse governing coalition of 61 lawmakers last June that included the left, center, right-wing parties and an Arab coalition – for the first time in Israeli history. attempt to end Benjamin Netanyahu’s 12 years in power.

“I am ending my presence in the coalition and I will try to talk to my friends in order to return home and form a right-wing government. And I know I am not the only one who feels this way,” added Silman, whose departure was immediately welcomed by Netanyahu.

“Idit, you have proved that what drives your actions is the Jewish identity of Israel, the land of Israel, and I welcome you back to the national camp,” said Netanyahu, leader of the right-wing opposition coalition, which includes the Likud party. and parties of the far right and the ultra-Orthodox Jews.

Netanyahu, who wants to return to power despite being tried for corruption, also called on other right-wing lawmakers in the ruling coalition to join his own camp.

“We will receive you with open arms and at all prices,” he stressed.

Silman’s departure follows a dispute this week with Israeli Health Minister Nijan Horovic after he asked – citing a Supreme Court ruling – for hospitals to give patients yeast bread during Jewish Passover, not unleavened bread. , as tradition wants.

Source: AMPE

Source: Capital

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