Otzma Yehudit claims it was told it didn't need to show up to Knesset session, opposition violated agreement to let bills pass

Otzma Yehudit denies that its lawmakers were intentionally absent from the Knesset plenum today after the opposition defeated a coalition-backed bill in a 21-20 vote.

In a statement responding to claims that the party had intentionally boycotted today’s session due to internal disagreements within the government, Otzma Yehudit says the opposition had violated an agreement whereby all items put to a vote today would automatically pass.

“It was agreed that the laws would be passed by consent only, and that there was no obligation to show up,” the far-right party says. “Unfortunately, the opposition violated the decision and took advantage of a situation in which only around 20 coalition MKs were present and voted to overturn the legislation.”