In a discussion between the leaders of the opposition parties, the ultra-Orthodox demanded that they not continue to help the coalition pass the Citizenship Law if the coalition passes the conversion law.
Chairman of Religious Zionism Bezalel Smutrich objected, arguing that it would not be possible to explain to the public the connection between the Citizenship Law used for security purposes and the Conversion Law.
As published yesterday in "Israel Today", the Citizenship Law, which has become a symbol of one of the main problems in a coalition consisting of right-wing and left-wing factions, is moving towards a conclusion and will probably go to the polls before taking a break next week.
The law is currently being discussed in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and yesterday the parties moved towards closing details.
The chairmen of the committee are MK Ram Ram Barak Mish Atid and Simcha Rotman of Religious Zionism.
As you may recall, the law was passed as a result of an unusual move in which the opposition and the coalition voted to support an agreed wording as well, despite the opposition of Meretz and RAAM.
Meanwhile, a storm broke out last night in the Knesset, after the coalition took an unusual political exercise.
The coalition seeks to implement Article 98, a clause that shortens Knesset debates and does not allow MKs to speak or express their views on laws.
Riots in the plenum, Photo: Noam Moskowitz, Knesset Spokeswoman
Because in recent weeks the coalition has failed to pass laws, they have sought to run the section on many laws until the end of the session.
Last night, members of the opposition were called to the office of the coalition's chairman, Idit Silman, to discuss the issue, and meanwhile MK Boaz Toporovsky (Yesh Atid) passed the section on the committee with the only vote in it.
The opposition was furious at the exercise, and Toporowski himself responded that "everyone knew the discussion was going on. They did not say there was a break."
Meanwhile, as published yesterday in "Israel Today", the flagship law of New Hope - the law restricting tenure, which last week attracted Justice Minister Gideon Saar because he did not have a majority, also encountered difficulties this week.
Next Sunday, the Knesset will sign the winter session and take a break until the beginning of May.
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