Opposition scraps Knesset debate that would require PM’s presence ‘in light of security situation’

In a joint statement, the leaders of the Knesset opposition factions announce that “in light of the sensitive security situation” they are removing a 40-signatures debate scheduled for next week from the agenda.

A so-called 40-signatures debate is a Knesset discussion that the opposition can call once a month and that the prime minister is legally obliged to attend. It is usually called to discuss criticism of the government, its policies and legislative agenda.

Prominent opposition politicians have rallied around Israel’s Iran campaign despite their outspoken criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies on a range of other issues.

Speaking with The Associated Press on Monday, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said that now is “not the right moment to do politics.”

“Yes, this government needs to be toppled, but not in the midst of an existential fight,” he said.

National Unity chairman Benny Gantz, who leads another large centrist party in the opposition, likewise told UK-based Iran International on Monday that “the decision to preemptively act against Iran was justified and necessary, and on that matter the Israeli opposition stands fully united with the coalition.”

“The people of Israel stand completely united in achieving our objectives, and any disagreements we may have will have to wait for other times,” he said.