Debate continues at two Knesset panels on incoming coalition’s other major bills

Debate continues in two Knesset special committees tasked with preparing legislation for the new government.

Amid strong opposition from political rivals, former and current police leaders and the attorney general’s office, prospective national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir continues to push legislation to tighten the post’s grip over police policy and leadership. Stuck in committee for the past five days, the bill is expected to come for a vote on its first reading as early as tomorrow.

In a second special committee, talks continue on advancing changes to existing law to enable the appointment of a permanent additional minister in the Defense Ministry and, separately, to enable a convicted lawmaker to serve as minister.

Committee members continue voting on some 1,700 reservations to the bill filed by opposition members, in part as a tactic to jam its progression. Once approved, the bill will advance to its final second and third readings on the Knesset floor.