Knesset approves opposition candidate Elharrar for judicial panel while rejecting Likud MK Gotliv

The Knesset votes to approve opposition Yesh Atid MK Karine Elharrar to the Judicial Selections Committee while rejecting the candidacy of Likud MK Tally Gotliv, who refused coalition calls to drop out of the race as part of an effort by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay the selection of the panel’s two representatives.

After a vote count that lasted two hours, Elharrar won the support of 58 MKs, and was opposed by 56. Gotliv was backed by 15 MKs and opposed by 59. A total of 115 MKs cast votes. The result means that several members of the coalition voted for Elharrar.

Even before the results were announced, opposition MKs began congratulating Elharrar as rumors swirled that enough votes were cast in her favor.

The shock outcome marks a win for the opposition, which had conditioned the continuation of judicial overhaul talks on the selection of one of its members to the committee.

Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid and National Unity chief Benny Gantz are due to address today’s political events later this evening.

It was not immediately clear how the coalition would react to the results, with another vote required within 30 days for the committee’s other member.