Full Knesset session
Full Knesset sessionYonatan Sindel/Flash 90

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu requested Monday night to conduct a roll-call vote in the Knesset on the motion of no-confidence in the government. 

It was an abnormal choice, as voting in the Knesset usually takes place electronically. However, because of the crisis in the coalition, Netanyahu sought to physically see and hear that none of the coalition members voted against him and their government. 

The no-confidence motion filed by the Labor party was defeated with 38 supporting the motion and 58 opposed. 

Minister of Intelligence and Strategic Affairs, Yuval Steinitz (Likud) said at the conclusion of the Knesset session that "the Prime Minister is making every effort to negotiate with the leaders of the coalition, and I hope that in the next few days, we will find a way to restore the harmony required of government work. 

"However," Steinitz stressed, "There are tears in the coalition that need fixing. The coalition parties need to recognize that Israel has not only a government, but a prime minister." 

"The government's success depends on the implementation of order and discipline. You cannot live in a state where each party chairman does as he pleases." 

Shas Chairman MK Aryeh Deri also commented after the vote, reiterating that, even if the current government were to be dissolved, Shas would not join any government "that does not commit to raising the minimum wage to 30  per hour and the 0% VAT Law." 

Later Monday evening, Netanyahu is expected to hold a crucial meeting with Yesh Atid Chairman and Finance Minister, Yair Lapid, in an effort to lay a groundwork to keep the coalition together and prevent early elections. 

During the Likud faction meeting, Monday afternoon, Deputy Transportation Minister MK Tzipi Hotovely said, "Livni and Lapid are torpedoing their own government's initiatives. Livni undermines anything related to the 'Jewish State Law' and Lapid undermines anything budget related."

"The government cannot function that way. If there is no other choice, we will back the Prime Minister fully in election campaigns." 

Netanyahu also came out in criticism of several coalition members during the Likud meeting, and hinted at the possible dissolution of the government. 

"A government cannot function if ministers are constantly attacking its policies," Netanyahu warned. "The government must work in harmony. For this reason I supported bills that I did not feel 'complete' over, such as [Lapid's - ed.] 0% VAT bill."

"I did not get mutual support nor responsibility from government ministers," the Prime Minister continued. "They attacked me over construction in Jerusalem and exposed me to criticism. They violate agreements obtained explicitly to provide real boosts to Israel's security and try to knock me down." 

"I demand that these ministers stop their subversions and attacks," he added. "If you agree, we can continue together; if you refuse, the [decision] will go to the voters."