Opposition parties pull no-confidence bills after death of PM's father

Parties say proposals will be brought forward again after Netanyahu’s first week of mourning

By Aaron Kalman 30 April 2012, 11:13 am Edit

Aaron Kalman is a former writer and breaking news editor for the Times of Israel

The opposition parties have withdrawn their calls for a no-confidence vote following the death of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s father, professor Benzion Netanyahu, Monday morning.

Kadima, Meretz, Labor, National Union and the Arab parties had all hoped to vote no confidence in the government on Monday, the first day of the Knesset’s summer session. However, the parties decided to ease their political pressure in the wake of the death of the prime minister’s father.

MKs Zahava Gal-On and MK Yitzhak Herzog, chairs of Meretz and Labor respectively, sent their parties’ condolences to the family of the prime minister. Both leaders said the no-confidence proposals would be brought before the Knesset next week.