The Knesset plenum began debating MK Tally Gotliv's parliamentary immunity request Wednesday afternoon. Channel 14 political desk chief Mati Tuchfeld said over 70 MKs have registered to speak, an unusually high number. Tuchfeld also reported that all coalition bills scheduled for today were withdrawn due to the ultra-Orthodox protests and events, effectively clearing the agenda for the immunity debate.
The Knesset plenum debate on MK Tally Gotliv's (Likud) parliamentary immunity request was opened Wednesday afternoon by MK Ofir Katz, who called the opposition 'a disgrace,' as reported by the Knesset Channel and Channel 14. Channel 14 political desk chief Mati Tuchfeld reported shortly after the session began that over 70 MKs have registered to speak, an unusually high figure, and that all coalition bills scheduled for today were withdrawn by the coalition due to the ongoing ultra-Orthodox protests, effectively clearing the agenda for the immunity debate. The vote itself is expected later Wednesday and will test coalition discipline.
The thread leading to this floor vote has unfolded rapidly since Monday. As The Zioneer reported on Monday at 13:51 Jerusalem, the Knesset House Committee voted 11-3 to grant Gotliv immunity from prosecution in the case of publishing the name of a Shin Bet officer. That initial report noted the specific charges had not been detailed. Later Monday, Likud informed its lawmakers of mandatory attendance for the Wednesday vote, as reported at 21:43 Jerusalem Sunday night. By Tuesday at 14:49 Jerusalem, Likud leaders expressed fears that a majority might falter, with party whips barring vote-trading or absentee deals.
The case has drawn intense scrutiny over security implications. As The Zioneer reported Tuesday June 9 at 17:31 Jerusalem, the Shin Bet submitted an opinion to the Knesset finding that Gotliv's actions endangered a senior security service member and his family. The Attorney General has warned that granting immunity would endanger state security and soldiers. The debate has also become a broader political confrontation: commentator Yaara Zered described it Tuesday as a dramatic public indictment of the judicial system, and former committee chairman Yuli Edelstein (Likud) stated he would vote to strip Gotliv's immunity, questioning a double standard.
It remains unclear when the vote will conclude and whether the coalition can secure a majority despite internal dissent and a high number of registered speakers, which could prolong the debate into the evening.
6 developments
- DevelopingKnesset approves immunity for MK Tally Gotliv: 62-48
- DevelopingMK Gotliv immunity debate turns into dramatic indictment of judiciary, analyst says
- DevelopingLikud fears majority for MK Gotliv's immunity request may falter, prepares tense vote
- DevelopingIrit Linor calls Knesset immunity committee session for MK Tali Gottlieb 'chaotic'
Source and signal
- Internal intake