Shas Leader Aryeh Deri Refuses to Back Party Funding Bill Without Opposition Support

Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas party, has stated he will not currently support the bill to increase party funding unless the opposition also backs it. The bill includes a clause that would dissolve the Knesset and send it into recess on July 17. If the bill fails to pass, the coalition stands to gain an additional week for legislative activity. Knesset legal advisor Sagit Afik addressed the issue, emphasizing that the bill must be passed by tomorrow. She noted that in the absence of a specific provision in the bill or another decision, the Knesset can continue to operate up to 90 days before the election date. Afik recommended passing the entire bill to avoid uncertainty.