Knesset committee votes against gas deal, paving way for its approval

The Knesset Finance Committee votes 7-6 against the natural gas deal between the government and a conglomerate of gas companies. The decision, which goes against the wishes of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, says that the deal should not be treated as a security issue — a measure that would have enabled the prime minister to pass it without paying heed to regulatory concerns.

However, the committee debate was a mere technicality, and its members lack the authority to hold up the deal, which has been a source of ongoing controversy amid claims that the conditions are too favorable to the gas companies. As acting economy minister, Netanyahu will be able to approve the agreement now that the vote has taken place, even if it is not declared a security issue.