Israeli Govt. loses majority after MP quits coalition

ISRAEL: A key member of Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s Yamina party said Wednesday she was quitting his coalition Government, in a surprise move that leaves him without a parliamentary majority.

Idit Silman’s announcement left Bennett’s coalition, an alliance of parties ranging from the Jewish right and Israeli doves to an Arab Muslim party, with 60 seats — the same as the opposition.

Although Silman’s defection does not mean the fall of the coalition, it raises the spectre of a potential return to office by veteran leader Benjamin Netanyahu, less than a year after he lost the premiership to Bennett.

Bennett met with leaders of the coalition parties following the announcement. “The alternative is more elections,” he added, warning this could spell “dangerous instability for Israel”.

Bennett’s coalition may continue ruling with 60 seats, although with difficulty in passing new legislation. If another member of the coalition defects, however, the Knesset could hold a vote of no confidence and lead Israel back to the polls for a fifth parliamentary election in four years.

Opposition Leader and former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video recording whoever was elected with the votes of the national camp to join Idit and come back home, you’ll be received with all due honour and open arms,” he added.To form a coalition of his own without new elections, Netanyahu would need the support of at least 61 lawmakers. Currently he falls well short, and does not command the support of all 60 opposition MPs.

– FRANCE 24