Knesset Approves Bill That Could Push Arab Parties Out

[Purveyor]

During the last session of the Knesset before its summer recess, the coalition was able to pass a first reading of the “governance legislation,” – an amendment to Israel’s Basic Laws – which would make it more difficult for the opposition to topple the government and for smaller fractions to enter the Knesset. Those who will be most hurt by these amendments are the parties representing the Palestinian public – Balad, Hadash and Raam-Ta’al. The legislation, which could see all of those parties eliminated in the next elections, is considered a major step in the attempt to limit Palestinian representation in Israeli politics.

After the bill was approved in its first reading Wednesday night, Arab Knesset members and several left-wing MKs protested it by standing in silence on the Knesset podium. A unique moment took place when ultra-Orthodox Knesset member Yisrael Eichler (United Torah Judaism) made a short statement against “the persecution of the Arab and the ultra-Orthodox by the government.” Eichler ended his words in Arabic – “we are with you in your struggle for democracy” (video below, 1:14 and then again 1:31 min) – before using the rest of his time to join the silent protest.

Both Orthodox parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism, are now part of the opposition.

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The new legislation is a joint initiative of Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid party and Avigdor Lieberman’s Yisrael Beitenu. According to an amendment to the Basic Law on Government (one of several laws which are the Israeli equivalent of a constitution, and can only be changed by an absolute majority), the government will not fall following a no-confidence vote, unless a new collation is presented within three weeks. The government will also stay in power even when it cannot pass a budget (today, such an event leads to new elections).

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http://972mag.com/knesset-approves-bill-that-could-push-arab-parties-out/76755/

[madrchsod]

1. it`s going to be very interesting to see how this plays out

especially when the orthodox join the arab parties.

[shira]

2. So what? All they need to do is combine into a bigger more inclusive party. n/t

[pelsar]

3. it eliminates the hostage aspect..

Last edited Fri Aug 2, 2013, 12:44 PM - Edit history (1)

where smaller parties can control the agenda and keep the govt as a hostage to get what they want. The jewish religious parties did this for years.

It also reduces the massive bribery and bartering that goes on once a govt is elected...(which by the way is how the settlements got built)
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The smaller parties will simply have to learn to get along an join together to create a larger party.

the article/author makes the assumption that the arabs are either incredibly dumb, or so racists that they can't even get along with one another to create a larger party to represent their interests.

Apparently the 972 mag has as a constant theme: that the arabs/palestenians/muslims are incredible "dumb' and helpless and at the complete mercy of the jewish israelis.....somehow i doubt the arabs/palestenians/muslims agree with that. Guess what that makes the authors of such articles?

[oberliner]

4. Knesset Approves Bill That Could Push Orthodox Jewish Parties Out

That headline would also fit, no?