A number of issues are creating divisions within the Israeli government, and threatening its stability just two weeks before the last date to approve the state budget. Most coalition heads believe, however, that these issues won’t prevent the passing of the budget.
During a meeting of coalition leaders on Sunday, Labor head Merav Michaeli and Meretz leader Nitzan Horowitz demanded that Prime Minister Naftali Bennett put the brakes on several controversial issues: Re-establishing the illegal outpost of Evyatar, advancing 1,300 housing units in the settlements as well as Defense Minister Benny Gantz’s labeling of six Palestinian NGOs as terror groups. Bennett said he would hold a discussion on Gantz’s announcement when the defense minister returns from a visit abroad.
According to understanding between Bennett and Gantz and the settlers of Evyatar, if the outpost is found to have been built on state lands, a settlement will be established there. Although the examination of the land’s status has yet to be completed, it seems at least some of it can be declared as state lands. This, however, does not guarantee it would be feasible to plan and build a settlement.
The heads of the coalition parties at the Knesset, in October. Ohad Zwigenberg Ohad Zwigenberg
Meretz and Labor have already informed Bennett they are opposed to establishing the outpost, with Michaeli even calling this step “a red line” for Labor. In contrast, the right-wing factions of the coalition, namely Bennett’s Yamina, insist on going through with the move. Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked told Channel 12 News on Sunday that “despite Michaeli’s statement – Evyatar will be established.”
In a statement released on Sunday, Meretz senior members called on party head Horowitz to prevent the expansion of West Bank settlements. The statement also referred to the labeling of the Palestinian NGOs as terror groups. Horowitz has said he asked Gantz to present the government with the findings that led to the decision.
The coalition is also divided over Housing Minister Zeev Elkin decision to publish tenders for the marketing of 1,355 housing units in the West Bank. Meretz Lawmaker Mossi Raz said in response Sunday that “the Yamina government doesn’t count Meretz… the construction of settlements outside Israel is damaging to Israel.”
Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz at the Knesset in October. Hadas Parush
On Friday, all coalition heads are expected to meet in a so-called team day and iron out the difference.
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The law names November 14 as the day in which the budget must be passed, but to avoid the possibility of a renegade coalition lawmaker voting against it and toppling the government, the coalition heads plan to vote on it ten days earlier. In such a scenario, even if there is no majority for passing the budget, Bennett and Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman can bring the budget to another vote and secure a majority.
Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked in Jerusalem, in October. Ohad Zwigenberg
According to the coalition deals, controversial issues will not be advanced until after the budget is approved. After that, Bennett intends to discuss several issues with his partners, including a bill that forbids an indicted person from forming a government.
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