A new political crisis in Israel.

MP Idit Silman, elected from Prime Minister Bennett's radical right-wing Yamina party, left the coalition government on Wednesday, April 6, which had 61 seats, the threshold of a majority in the Knesset, the Israeli parliament having 120 deputies.

“I have tried the path of unity. I have worked a lot for this coalition, but unfortunately I cannot harm the Jewish identity of Israel,” the minister said in a statement, giving the “the “to an intense political day in the country, which held four legislative elections in two years, from 2019 to 2021. 

Naftali Bennett and the centrist Yaïr Lapid had finally brought together, last June, a heterogeneous coalition supported by 61 deputies composed of the left, the center, right-wing parties and an Arab formation, a first in the history of Israel, for end more than 12 consecutive years of rule by Benjamin Netanyahu.

"I am ending my presence in the coalition and I will try to talk to my friends in order to return home and form a right-wing government. And I know that I am not the only one who feels this way", added MP Silman, whose statement was immediately welcomed by the Leader of the Opposition.

"Idit, you have just proven that what guides your action is the Jewish identity of Israel, the land of Israel, and I welcome you back to the national camp," Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video. leads a right-wing opposition bloc bringing together his party, the Likud, Orthodox Jewish formations and the far right.

Quarrel over Passover

Legislative work in the Knesset is currently on hiatus and the budget, which must be approved by a majority to avoid the dissolution of the chamber, has already been validated by parliament. 

The coalition now has 60 seats, as many as the opposition.

But if she manages to rally at least one other deputy to the government, she could hold a vote of no confidence and thus potentially lead the country to new legislative elections.

Benjamin Netanyahu, who is seeking to return to power despite his corruption trial, has called on other right-wing lawmakers in the coalition government to join his side.

"You will be welcomed with open arms and with all honours," he said on Wednesday, as the right-wing opposition had already planned a large evening demonstration in Jerusalem against the coalition government.

MP Silman's departure comes after a row with Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz.

the latter had asked hospitals, in accordance with a decision of the Supreme Court, to authorize the distribution of sourdough bread - and not unleavened as is the Jewish tradition - during the Jewish Passover.

But political commentators have questioned this motive alone, citing tensions within the coalition which brings together both members of the radical right and the Arab Ra'am party. 

With AFP

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