Knesset passes controversial ‘Ben-Gvir Law,’ paving way for new government to be sworn in
The Knesset passed the controversial “Ben-Gvir Law,” on Wednesday, giving Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir expanded authority over the Israeli Police. The vote ended a legislative blitz paving the way for Benjamin Netanyahu to have his government sworn in today.
MK Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of Israel’s Otzma Yehudit party, speaking to reporters in Jerusalem on Oct. 30, 2022. Photo by Shalev Shalom/TPS.
The legislation was passed by a vote of 61-55.
Since the November 1 elections, Ben-Gvir insisted that serving as National Security Minister with expanded authority was a precondition for joining Netanyahu’s governing coalition.
The law authorises Ben-Gvir to direct general police policy and outline “general principles for action.” It also enables Ben-Gvir to influence policy related to investigations in consultation with the police commissioner and attorney general.
On Tuesday, the Knesset passed the “Smotrich Law” enabling Religious Zionism leader Betzalel Smotrich to serve as an independent minister within the Defense Ministry to oversee construction and other civil matters in Judea and Samaria. Until now, the Defense Minister had that oversight.
The passage of the legislation was a precondition for RZP to join the coalition.
The Knesset also passed on Tuesday the “Deri Law.” Shas leader Aryeh Deri is expected to serve as both Minister of Health and Interior and then rotate into the Minister of Finance. He resigned from the Knesset in January as a part of a plea agreement in which he admitted to tax offenses. He was given a suspended prison sentence, but current laws bar him from a cabinet position for seven years.
Passage of that legislation was the primary precondition for Shas joining the coalition. The party is expected to sign an agreement on Wednesday formally.
With the legislative blitz finished, Likud MK Yariv Levin resigned as Knesset speaker on Wednesday. One of Netanyahu’s closest confidantes, Levin, took the speaker position to shepherd the legislation through parliament. Levin is expected to become Justice Minister. The Likud faction endorsed Amir Ohana to become the next speaker.
Netanyahu is expected to finalise his coalition agreements with Otzma Yehudit and Shas and have his government sworn in on Thursday.
