Three Knesset Members who abandoned the Pensioners Party to form a new faction have withdrawn their proposal to join forces with Russian-born billionaire's Social Justice party. Their cancellation of the request came as a Knesset committee was debating on whether to approve the amalgamation with Gaydamak. MK Moshe Sharoni, who led the walkout from the Pensioners party, explained that he will re-submit the request after he consults with attorneys.
The legal advisor for the Knesset has determined that there is a suspicion that the rebels violated Knesset rules by agreeing to join up with Gaydamak. Pensioners party leader Rafi Eitan said the withdrawal of the proposal was expected because MK Sharoni knew that the Knesset panel would not approve formation of the new faction.