Opposition lends hand to ‘disciplining’ Hazan

Opposition chairman Isaac Herzog agrees to a request by Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein (Likud) to refrain from taking advantage possible absences of MK Oren Hazan from Knesset votes.

Hazan has made headlines over the past 24 hours after a Channel 2 exposé alleged he dealt in pimping and substance trafficking in Bulgaria. Earlier today, Edelstein told Hazan, who is a deputy Knesset speaker, that he is suspended from chairing sessions at the Knesset until further notice. Fearing Hazan may try to blackmail the coalition by threatening absence from crucial votes – a real threat considering the Likud-led coalition is only 61-MK strong in a 120-member Knesset – Edelstein asked Herzog to have one opposition MK absent any time Hazan skips a vote.

Edelstein is seeking to preempt any retaliation by Hazan following efforts by Likud to discipline him.

Herzog’s assent is criticized by his party. An unnamed Zionist Union MK laments to Haaretz: “How come we’re helping Netanyahu keep his seat? This move is like missing a kick in front of an empty goal. For weeks we talk of our intention to be a fighting opposition and in the moment of truth we fold and give Netanyahu breathing space.”