Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has instructed his coalition to accelerate passage of the draft law, setting off a rapid-fire legislative push with late-night hearings and tight scheduling. According to officials familiar with the process, Netanyahu has decided to move “all the way” and push the legislation forward as fast as possible, demanding minimal delays and intensified committee work.
In recent days, the Prime Minister’s Office has conveyed that Netanyahu wants the bill to advance at the quickest pace attainable, signaling that the coalition must shift into high gear as the political pressure surrounding the draft law continues to grow.
Following Netanyahu’s directive, a high-level meeting took place on Wednesday, bringing together Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman MK Boaz Bismuth, Knesset Legal Adviser Sagit Afik, committee legal adviser Miri Frenkel, Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs, and Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz. During the meeting, Bismuth asked Afik directly to define the absolute minimum time required for full passage of the draft law.
Afik responded that it is indeed possible to set a binding timetable that still allows for substantive and thorough deliberations. She also agreed to Bismuth’s request to schedule additional sessions at night, after the Knesset plenum adjourns. With a clearly defined timetable, she said, the committee can work efficiently without compromising the depth of debate.
Shortly after the meeting, MK Bismuth announced that the committee will hold three major discussions on the draft law next week: two sessions on Sunday and another on Tuesday night, immediately following the close of the plenary. Those close to him say this is only the first step in a broader, intensive effort to push the legislation toward completion.
The rapid escalation signals that the coalition is preparing for a decisive moment. Netanyahu aims to demonstrate concrete progress both to his chareidi partners—who expect clear movement on the draft arrangement for bnei yeshiva—and to the opposition, which has been watching the process closely.
Across the political system, all eyes are now on the accelerated legislative sprint. The pace of the marathon may ultimately determine not only the fate of the draft law but also the stability of the government in the critical weeks ahead.
{Matzav.com}
