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Knesset to vote this morning on controversial governance bill
The Knesset will vote this morning on a bill which would increase the electoral threshold. However, it comes amid sharp criticism from the opposition which boycotted yesterday’s Knesset debate on the issue.
Controversy about the substance of the bill centres on increasing the electoral threshold from 2 to 3.25 per cent, which supporters say will lead to smoother, more effective government, but opponents argue is designed to disenfranchise minority groups and opinions. Yisrael Beitenu MK David Rotem, who proposed the bill, said that if the bill is passed, “There will be fewer players in the political arena and less fragmentation in the parliament,” while Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz also commented that it “serves democracy.” Yesh Atid’s Health Minister Yael German argued that, “I think that in the wake of this law the Arab parties will be strengthened,” not weakened, as it will encourage more Arab citizens to vote. Others have argued that it could embolden the Arab vote, encouraging smaller factions to unite into potentially one of the Knesset’s largest parties.
However, opposition MKs from disparate factions boycotted yesterday’s Knesset plenum debate and instead conducted their own debate in a Knesset conference room, facilitated by Knesset Deputy Speaker Ahmed Tibi of the United Arab List – Ta’al Party. During this discussion, Labour MK Hilik Bar said, “electoral reform is meant to erase certain factions.” Opposition and Labour Party leader Isaac Herzog commented, “We are fighting for the soul of Israeli democracy. There are rules to this game, and they were trampled … We will have an alternative discourse until this coalition wakes up.” Opposition MKs also object to a coalition agreement which saw all coalition parties agree to treat the governance bill as one legislative package, along with two other bills, effectively guaranteeing the passage of all.
The governance bill also limits the number of ministers to 18, unless 70 MKs vote to add more. It also limits no-confidence motions to be brought no more than once monthly.