Second and third readings of bill imminent; last-minute efforts to reach agreement

The second and third readings of the “reasonableness” bill are imminent, after which the legislation will pass into law.

Meanwhile internal coalition hubbub continues, with Netanyahu holding phone calls as part of apparent last-minute efforts to strike some sort of deal, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Justice Minister Yariv Levin seen exchanging angry comments in the plenum.

Gallant is then seen speaking with opposition heads Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, in quick succession, on the Knesset floor.

At one point Yesh Atid lawmakers interrupt voting on reservations to the bill to chant “government of destruction.” Today’s vote takes place three days before Tisha B’Av, the day on which Jews remember the destruction of the Jewish Temples.

שר הבטחון גלנט ושר המשפטים לוין מתקוטטים, כאשר גלנט מנסה להשיג ריכוך, פשרה כשהוא יודע שכוחות המילואים מתרסקים לו. לוין מתעקש על החוק בגרסה הכי נוקשה כפי שהוכן, נתניהו באמצע לא מפשר וזורם לרוב עם לוין. pic.twitter.com/owLwAxX5qp

— ‏Tal Schneider טל שניידר تال شنايدر (@talschneider) July 24, 2023