Tel Aviv, Apr. 6, (dpa/GNA) - A lawmaker from Israel’s ruling Yamina alliance, Idit Silman, has unexpectedly stepped down from the coalition, his spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday, meaning that the government of Naftali Bennett has lost its razor-thin majority.
Silman, the coalition chairperson, has informed Bennett in writing, his spokesperson said. Israeli media had previously reported on the move.
Bennett’s government was sworn in in June last year, ending a long-lasting political crisis in Israel that saw four elections in two years.
The coalition was formed of eight parties from the left to right-wing of the political spectrum – including an Arab party for the first time.
Silman reportedly resigned due to a dispute on the religious matter of whether leavened food (chametz) should be allowed to be brought into hospitals during the Jewish festival of Passover, according to local media.
Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu said Silman had taken a “brave decision.”
The move does not have any immediate concrete impact. Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, is in recess until May 8.
Even after Silman’s resignation, the opposition does not have the necessary majority for an effective vote of no confidence.
Furthermore, such a motion would have to include a proposal for an alternative candidate for government formation. At present, there is nobody in sight who could command the necessary majority.
It is therefore still unclear if and when the government could collapse, prompting new elections.
GNA