(Israel's) Ultra-Orthodox factions fail to win opposition support, call off no-confidence vote

The Jerusalem Post ^ | 10 March 2003 | NINA GILBERT

[anotherview]

Mar. 10, 2003
Ultra-Orthodox factions fail to win opposition support, call off no-confidence vote
By NINA GILBERT

The ultra-Orthodox factions failed to rally the Knesset opposition to back the first no confidence motion against the Sharon government on Monday, causing them to withdraw the measure just before the planned vote.

United Torah Judaism MK Ya'acov Litzman was named as an alternative prime minister in the motion, as required by the new method of "constructive no confidence." But as more than 100 MKs were ready to vote at the conclusion of a three-hour debate, Litzman suddenly withdrew his candidacy.

Knesset Speaker Ruby Rivlin considered allowing the vote to go ahead, but was halted by opposition from MKs and the Knesset legal adviser who argued that as soon as Litzman withdrew his candidacy the motion was void. The new system of constructive no confidence requires the sponsors to name an alternative prime minister whom the president would give the mandate to establish a government if the motion wins the necessary support of 61 MKs.

The Labor and Meretz factions planned to abstain on the motion, whereas Am Ehad and the Arab factions wanted to back UTJ and Shas. Sharon's coalition has 68 MKs.

Shas and the United Torah Judaism submitted the motion on grounds that the government has violated the state status quo on religion and the socio-economic crisis.

Shas MK Yitzhak Cohen said that not only had Prime Minister Ariel Sharon reneged on his promise to establish a national unity government, but he had created an "ethnic separation government."

The establishment of Sharon's second government marks the first time that Shas has not been a coalition partner since it was elected to the Knesset.

Labor whip Dalia Itzik said the faction decided to abstain for "technical reasons" and its position should not be interpreted as a vote of support for the government and its policies. She said she was sure that this Sharon government would be "worse than the previous one."

Cohen said the government is likely to continue to cut welfare budgets to the point that the poor won't be able to "bear the costs of living." He also criticized the National Religious Party for paving the way for a coalition with Shinui, and thereby sanctioning "mixed marriages."

Minister Gideon Ezra, the government's liaison to the Knesset, said the coalition could not have been established without the status quo compromise that was drafted between the NRP and Shinui.

Labor objected to the UTJ's reference to the status quo in its motion, and also did not want to support Litzman as a prime ministerial candidate. UTJ asked Labor leader Amram Mitzna to be listed as the candidate in the motion, but Mitzna declined.

The faction intends to cooperate with the haredi and other factions on an issue-per issue basis.

[jonatron]

Why don't the media refer to Labor, Shinui and Meretz as the "Ultra-LeftWing?" in headlines?

[anotherview]

I think that would only correctly apply to Meretz, but.... honestly, I don't know.