Yesh Atid MK Karin Elharar
Coalition suffers first legislative defeat in the Knesset
Minor opposition legislation passes preliminary reading with one-vote majority due to Minister Steinitz's absence during the vote.
After rushing Minister Yuval Steinitz to the Knesset from home to ensure a majority in a late-night vote earlier this week, the coalition suffered its first defeat at the Israeli parliament on Wednesday, when the opposition managed to pass a private bill proposal.
The plenum erupted in applause after legislation proposed by Yesh Atid MK Karin Elharar passed a preliminary reading with a one-vote majority (46 in favor, 45 against).
The government opposes the bill, which proposes that a verdict in a case against a debtor will be filed to an execution office near the debtor's place of residence, and it has also been rejected by the Ministerial Committee for Legislation.
The Knesset plenum (Photo: EPA/File)
Minister Yuval Steinitz was once again responsible for the embarrassment caused to the coalition, as he was out of the plenum during the vote, which led to the legislation passing.
According to the legislation's explanatory notes, despite the fact debtors live far away from the execution office in which their case is being handled, they are required to physically arrive at execution office for every request or hearing regarding their case. The situation becomes even more acute in light of the recent closure of many execution offices.
"I don't understand how the members of the coalition, who promised to take care of 'invisible people', can object such a proposal," MK Elharar said.
Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked explained the government's objection, saying "this is an idea that is already part of the Enforcement and Collections Authority's work plan. This is a wide-scale change that requires time. If the need arises, the issue will be promoted in government legislation."
