Renegade head of coronavirus committee Shasha-Biton removed from post

Likud MK Yifat Shasha-Biton has been removed from her post as head of the Knesset Coronavirus Committee, ending two tumultuous months as the panel chair.

In a terse letter, coalition whip Miki Zohar says the move is punishment for her “behavior, and [for] not being present for necessary votes.”

Shasha-Biton had butt heads with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for overturning a number of government decisions to restrict businesses during the pandemic, and he had reportedly threatened to have her removed.

There is no immediate response from Shasha-Biton.

MK Yifat Shasha-Biton at a Knesset coronavirus committee meeting on July 19, 2020. (screen capture: Knesset livestream)