Chaotic Knesset tackles first no-confidence motion against government

The Knesset plenum has convened for its daily session and is dealing with its first item, a no-confidence motion introduced by Likud’s Ofir Akunis accusing the government of being built on a foundation of lies and proposing replacing it with a government headed by Benjamin Netanyahu.

“A government founded on lies, fraud and breach of trust has no right to exist,” Akunis says, echoing a Likud talking point accusing Yamina of misleading its voters by joining the coalition.

Minister Zeev Elkin, speaking on behalf of the government, accuses the opposition of hypocrisy, seeking to delegitimize the votes of those who do not support Likud and its allies.

Elkin, loudly heckled by opposition lawmakers, attempts to yell over them, as Speaker Mickey Levy appears to lose control of the room temporarily.

“Don’t speak to us about legitimacy,” Elkin shouts. “If it doesn’t serve you, it’s not legitimate. If you are on the outside, it’s not legitimate.”

The measure is widely expected to fail.