Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is aware that a failure to obtain a ministerial majority for Avigdor Lieberman’s government reform bill will be a fatal blow to his fragile coalition.
During recent talks with Yisrael Beitenu Party leader MK Avigdor Lieberman (photo above) and the prime minister, Lieberman indicated the passing of his bill seeking to change the form of government would remove most obstacles currently blocking his party’s entry into the government coalition. Lieberman’s party would bring an additional 11 seats to the coalition, leaving Olmert with a comfortable majority and a more realistic chance of completing his term in office.
Last Sunday, the bill squeaked by with a one-vote majority among ministers, but Labor Minister Eitan Cabel filed an appeal following the vote, resulting in the need for a second vote.
The appeal is the subject of dispute between Cabel and party colleagues. Senior party officials are calling upon him to withdraw the appeal, explaining that a second vote in favor of the bill would compel coalition members to vote in favor in Knesset. Cabel insists this is not so, explaining the coalition guidelines permit them to vote their conscience since this is a fundamental legislation. Cabel added he is not intimidated by the prime minister, stating he can dissolve the current coalition if he so desires.
At present, the Shas, Labor and Retiree Party ministers have indicated they do not plan to vote for the bill, but Olmert nevertheless is hopeful that he will receive a majority. Should the ministers support the bill, it would compel coalition members to support the bill in Knesset. Any minister who votes against the government decision would in essence be signing his own resignation from the cabinet.
Retiree Party leader Yaakov Edri stated he will oppose the bill, stating if Avigdor Lieberman genuinely wishes to become a member of the ruling coalition, he should enter without preconditions, namely his government reform bill.
Shas leader Minister Eli Yishai stated he too opposes the bill, stating he will not raise his hand in favor.
At present, it appears the cabinet’s 11 Kadima ministers will vote in favor of the bill but ministers from partner coalition parties will be opposing it.
During recent talks with Yisrael Beitenu Party leader MK Avigdor Lieberman (photo above) and the prime minister, Lieberman indicated the passing of his bill seeking to change the form of government would remove most obstacles currently blocking his party’s entry into the government coalition. Lieberman’s party would bring an additional 11 seats to the coalition, leaving Olmert with a comfortable majority and a more realistic chance of completing his term in office.
Last Sunday, the bill squeaked by with a one-vote majority among ministers, but Labor Minister Eitan Cabel filed an appeal following the vote, resulting in the need for a second vote.
The appeal is the subject of dispute between Cabel and party colleagues. Senior party officials are calling upon him to withdraw the appeal, explaining that a second vote in favor of the bill would compel coalition members to vote in favor in Knesset. Cabel insists this is not so, explaining the coalition guidelines permit them to vote their conscience since this is a fundamental legislation. Cabel added he is not intimidated by the prime minister, stating he can dissolve the current coalition if he so desires.
At present, the Shas, Labor and Retiree Party ministers have indicated they do not plan to vote for the bill, but Olmert nevertheless is hopeful that he will receive a majority. Should the ministers support the bill, it would compel coalition members to support the bill in Knesset. Any minister who votes against the government decision would in essence be signing his own resignation from the cabinet.
Retiree Party leader Yaakov Edri stated he will oppose the bill, stating if Avigdor Lieberman genuinely wishes to become a member of the ruling coalition, he should enter without preconditions, namely his government reform bill.
Shas leader Minister Eli Yishai stated he too opposes the bill, stating he will not raise his hand in favor.
At present, it appears the cabinet’s 11 Kadima ministers will vote in favor of the bill but ministers from partner coalition parties will be opposing it.