2 Joint List MKs may abstain from swearing-in vote to ensure majority

The two members of the Ta’al faction in the Arab Joint List party reportedly may abstain from tomorrow’s vote of confidence for the incoming coalition, if it forecasts a majority for those voting against the new government.

MKs Ahmed Tibi and Osama Saadi are said to be waiting until the last minute to decide whether or not to vote against the so-called “change government,” Channel 12 news reports.

Knesset Members Osama Saadi and Ahmad Tibi attend a Knesset committee meeting on September 9, 2019. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

According to the report, if the Ta’al members see the opposition to the incoming coalition has a majority in the swearing-in vote, they will abstain, allowing the government to be formed.

The remaining four of the six MKs in the majority-Arab Joint List party will vote against the formation of a unity government led by Yamina chair Naftali Bennett and Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid, even though it would oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.