Oded Forer wants to cancel Knesset recess amid Israel-Hamas war - Israel News

Five weeks before the end of the summer session, the chairman of the Yisrael Beytenu faction, MK Oded Forer, addressed Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana on Tuesday, demanding the cancellation of the traditional summer recess of the Knesset.

Forer submitted the request to Ohana’s office to gain support from parliamentary factions to change the suspension dates. This action responds to the sensitive security situation and the urgent need to resolve numerous problems, including the fate of the evacuees, the families of the hostages and the serious economic crisis.

Earlier, towards the end of the winter session, opposition factions attempted to cancel the Passover holiday. Despite public outcry, the request was rejected and the Knesset was suspended in April and May.

At the time, the coalition was not in favor of canceling the vacation, arguing that committees and even the plenum could be convened if necessary. They argued that recess periods are legally organized within the framework of the Knesset’s work needs and employees’ work agreements.

Nevertheless, MP Oded Forer once again asks Ohana to accept this new request: “Unfortunately, the last time we approached you to cancel the suspension, we received no response and it went like this. planned But we are trying again; all members of the House have the opportunity to learn from past mistakes and do the minimum necessary to change the situation and be connected to the protests of the population. start in July.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana holds a press conference at the Knesset in Jerusalem. September 6, 2023. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

In his letter, Forer added: “At times when Israeli citizens are not sleeping at night, families are fighting to bring back their loved ones, mothers and fathers are not sleeping, worried about their children, fighting on all fronts. , while there are still people evacuated. from home, reservists facing an unbearable and exhausting routine, small and medium-sized businesses that are collapsing and children who have lost an entire school year and still do not know what will happen next school year, it is unacceptable that the Knesset freezes its work, so that the committees are paralyzed and the Knesset plenum goes into dormancy. »

Failure is expected

The coalition is likely to once again refuse to follow through on this unusual request, partly to reduce the risk of government collapse. A recess provides a “window of opportunity” for parliamentary calm; if the coalition survives until the end of July, it will be guaranteed many months without fear of political maneuvers likely to destabilize the government.

According to the Knesset’s decision, the summer session will officially end on July 28, 2024, with a summer vacation lasting three months. The winter session, opening the next Knesset session, will begin on October 27.