The coalition does not have a majority, and Bennett was released from isolation • Likud: Tried to escape

December 27, 2021   

Naftali Bennett was informed today (Monday) that after additional tests, including a genetic sequencing procedure, there is a high probability that his daughter, who was infected with the coronavirus, has been confirmed to have the Omicron variant. The Prime Minister's Office stated that the sequencing process will be completed in the next two days, after which a final answer will be received. Because of this, Bennett's office decided to keep him in isolation at home, while the Knesset is holding a debate on the 40 signatures, but he was ultimately moved to the Mishkan after it became clear that the coalition does not have a majority in the plenum for important votes. The '40 Signatures Debate' initiated by the opposition was supposed to begin at 4:00 PM, but to allow Bennett to participate in it, Knesset Speaker Mickey Levy took the Knesset plenary session out for a recess until 6:00 PM. Bennett, who was furious that the opposition refused to allow him to make a move, even though they were told that the Omicron virus is highly contagious, attacked Netanyahu: "The opposition's disregard for public health is extremely serious. While we are doing everything to increase the sense of responsibility of every citizen and individual in light of the increase in morbidity, Netanyahu is playing with the pandemic for a tiny political achievement. Netanyahu has lost every trace of national responsibility." The Likud responded to the criticism and accused Bennett of trying to escape the '40 Signatures' debate they initiated. "Bennett is afraid," the Likud said. "Contrary to Knesset regulations and in an unprecedented manner, Bennett tried to escape from being accountable to the public. He failed in this too. At the height of the Corona crisis, we did not close the Knesset and did not run away from debates like Bennett. "According to the Ministry of Health guidelines and according to Knesset rules, Bennett must appear for the debate and participate in it from the isolated gallery. Therefore, Bennett's spin is nonsense - he does not care about public health but about his own political health, and it is indeed in danger." The Likud explained their insistence on holding the debate: "Very simple: an MK in isolation comes to the isolated gallery. According to the regulations, a prime minister is obliged to appear for the debate with 40 signatures. Without crying or fussing. He will be honored and receive a nod." Likewise, MK Shirley Pinto from the right, who gave birth more than two weeks ago, was also postponed to the Knesset. The situation leaves three plenary days, Monday-Wednesday, and even special approval for Thursday, for passing the laws. The main laws are the Conscription Law, which has not yet passed its first reading, the Security Service Law (second and third readings), the Disposable Tools Law (second and third readings), the Corona Hotels Law (second and third readings), and the Senior Citizens Law, which concerns the discount on property tax payments.