Shas Leader Aryeh Deri Blocks Knesset Dissolution Bill Over Opposition Support

A last-minute political drama unfolded in the Knesset on Thursday evening when Shas chairman Aryeh Deri returned the Party Financing Law to committee, refusing to bring it to a vote without broad opposition backing. The law includes a clause setting the Knesset dissolution date for July 17, and its delay raises uncertainty about whether the current Knesset term will extend by another week.

Deri insisted on opposition support before approving the bill, arguing that party financing affects all parties equally. Opposition factions, particularly the Yesh Atid party, took a firm stance by refusing to support the bill and stating that the coalition should vote alone if it wants to pass it. This impasse leaves the timing of the Knesset's dissolution and the end of its current term in question.