A bill for extended maternity leave without pay proposed by Kadima MK Dalia Itzik and Likud MK Tzipi Hotovely passed a preliminary reading on Wednesday. The bill will now pass to the Knesset’s Status of Women Committee for further legislation.
MK Hotovely said in response, "This is the beginning of a healthier society and conveys a message that the family is part of its values.”