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

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri refused to support the party funding law, which includes the Knesset dissolution date set for July 17, unless the opposition also backs it. The law was subsequently sent back to committee after the opposition, including the Yesh Atid party, declined to support it alongside the coalition. This delay raises the possibility that the current Knesset session could extend for an additional week beyond the planned dissolution date.

The Knesset legal advisor, Shagit Afik, recommended embedding the dissolution date of July 17 into the party funding 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 within the party funding legislation.

Deri argued that because the party funding law affects all parties, it requires joint support from both the coalition and opposition, needing a majority of 61 MKs. Yesh Atid rejected this demand, stating the coalition could vote alone, prompting Deri to withdraw the bill back to committee. Despite the setback, it is anticipated the issue will be resolved and the law will return to the plenum for a vote, as parties need the funding ahead of the election period.