From the Liveblog of
Monday, July 8, 2024
Top Haredi MK on potential dissolution of Knesset: ‘That is where we are heading’
Sam Sokol is the Times of Israel's political correspondent. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
A senior United Torah Judaism party lawmaker hints that the current governing coalition may be reaching its end during a debate in the Knesset Finance Committee.
During a discussion on the need to finance the reinforcement of educational institutions in the north against attack, Yesh Atid MK Naor Shiri says that committee head Moshe Gafni has the power to get it done. Gafni replies “my power is weak.”
“If you are weak, this house can be dissolved,” replies Shiri, prompting Gafni to reply: “That is where we are heading.”
Shiri says: “Where to?” To which point Gafni responds, “To where you said.”
Shiri says: “This is good news for the people of Israel, you should have started with it.”
Five weeks ago, Gafni he threatened to leave his position as Finance Committee chair over a dispute regarding ultra-Orthodox educational budgets. His comments today are also the latest sign of doubt among members of Netanyahu’s hardline cabinet that they can continue to keep the government together.
The Times of Israel Community.