BICOM

A potential coalition crisis appears to have been at least temporarily averted with a Knesset vote on the controversial Nationality Bill postponed until next week.

Two versions of the bill have been proposed, both enshrining Israel’s status as a Jewish State but in a way which critics say would denigrate Israel’s minority communities. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has drafted what is viewed as a more consensus driven, moderate set of principles on the issue. Nonetheless, coalition factions Yesh Atid and Hatnuah have opposed all versions of the bill and a fractious cabinet meeting on Sunday raised speculation that the government could fall, sparking new elections.

Such a prospect seems to have been quelled for the time being, as it was agreed yesterday that a Knesset vote on the Nationality Bill will be postponed until next week following mediation by Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Lieberman.

Hatnuah leader Tzipi Livni told the Jerusalem Post, “No compromise has been reached … It has just been postponed.” However, the coalition factions are expected to meet during the coming days to attempt to broker an agreement over the bill. Coalition chairman and Likud MK Ze’ev Elkin, who himself sponsored one version of the bill, said, “[Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu doesn’t want elections, but he is not ready to accept the coalition partners’ behaviour as it has been.” Meanwhile, Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid warned “We won’t compromise on our values for political horse trading.”

However, a fresh coalition disagreement could emerge over a bill set for a Knesset vote on Wednesday, which would enable the Knesset to ban a member who encourages acts against the state, even if such rhetoric is legal. The bill, proposed by Yisrael Beitenu MK David Rotem is aimed at Balad MK Hana Zoabi, who has appeared to praise violent attacks on Israel. Netanyahu told his Likud faction yesterday that he supports the bill, which is opposed by both Yesh Atid and Hatnuah.