Israel: Government apparently surprisingly loses majority

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Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett: without a majority again after a tough struggle?

Photo: MENAHEM KAHANA / AFP

Four elections had to be held and the subsequent formation of a government proved extremely difficult - but last June Israel finally had a new government.

After less than a year in office, their majority in parliament, the Knesset, is apparently on the brink.

As Israeli media unanimously report, MP Idit Silman of the right-wing party alliance Yamina has surprisingly resigned.

This would mean that Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's coalition would lose its wafer-thin majority in parliament.

Silman is also Yamina's coalition leader.

Dispute over kosher food creates crisis

According to the Haaretz newspaper, the background is a dispute over religious matters.

The issue was whether or not leavened food (chametz) and therefore non-kosher food could be taken to hospitals during the Jewish Passover festival.

Health Secretary Nitzan Horowitz had instructed hospitals not to prevent visitors from bringing leavened foods into clinics.

Silman was firmly against it.

The current coalition was supported by a total of eight parties from the right to the left spectrum - including an Arab party for the first time.

Efforts are currently being made to persuade Silman to change his mind.

"I hope it's reversible," said Religious Affairs Minister Matan Kahana.

"I haven't spoken to Idit yet, but in moments like these it's worth talking before you react."

According to Haaretz, Prime Minister Bennett did not initially reach Silman.

Opposition leader Netanyahu cheers

The opposition is already trying to take advantage of the internal government dispute.

Opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of Silman's "brave decision".

Netanyahu said she would be welcomed "with all respect and open arms" if she joined the opposition.

fek/dpa