The Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties expressed anger at Sa'ar, who was prevented from voting late by Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin.
By GIL HOFFMANKnesset plenum, December 2, 2020.(photo credit: DANI SHEM TOV/KNESSET SPOKESPERSONS OFFICE)
A bill that would add equality to the Basic Law passed by 56 to 54 votes in the Knesset plenum on Wednesday as Blue and White joined the opposition against Likud and its other coalition partners, Shas and United Torah Judaism.The bill, which must still pass three more times in the plenum and three in committee before the Knesset disperses for it to become law, would add the right to equality to The Basic Law Human Dignity and Liberty and make discrimination illegal.When the results of the roll call vote were announced, Blue and White MKs applauded in satisfaction.MK Gideon Sa’ar and his ally, MK Michal Shir did not show up in time to vote against the bill. The Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties expressed anger at late-comer Sa’ar, who was prevented from adding his vote by Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin. Likud and Blue and White ministers attacked each other ahead of the vote, with Likud minister Ze’ev Elkin telling Blue and White MKs that they had adopted the views of the Arab nationalist Balad party and Blue and White Minister Avi Nissenkorn, saying that whoever voted against the bill was voting for racism.MK Miki Zohar, the head of the coalition, warned Blue and White in advance not to violate coalition discipline, warning that it would “cause uncontrollable chaos.”“I asked all our partners in the coalition not to raise bills that did not pass in the Ministerial Committee on Legislation,” Zohar said. “It is unfortunate that Blue and White continues harming the slim chance of continuing the coalition. Instead of maintaining the unity government, they are advancing dispersal of the Knesset.”Blue and White leader Benny Gantz praised the bill after it passed, calling it “important for democracy” and vowed that his party would continue to advance a fair Israeli society.
