Shas Leader Deri Blocks Party Funding Law Vote, Delays Knesset Dissolution Date

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri refused to support the party funding law that includes the Knesset dissolution date set for July 17, demanding opposition backing as well. The law was returned to committee after opposition parties, including Yesh Atid, declined to support it alongside the coalition. Yesh Atid stated the coalition could vote alone if it wished. The legal advisor to the Knesset, Shagit Afik, recommended embedding the dissolution date in the law to ensure an election period of just over 90 days, consistent with past practice. Since the current Knesset is expected to dissolve without a dedicated dissolution law, the date was included as a clause in the party funding law. Deri argued that since the funding law affects all parties, it requires a majority of 61 MKs, including both coalition and opposition support. The delay raises questions about whether the Knesset's term will extend by an additional week beyond the planned dissolution. Despite the setback, it is anticipated the issue will be resolved because parties need the funding money ahead of elections, and the law will likely return to the plenum for a vote.