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Last update - 22:13 21/07/2008 Lawmakers pass three no-confidence votes against gov't By Shahar Ilan, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Israel, Shas, Knesset  MKs on Monday passed three votes of no-confidence in the government, dealing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert with apparently the first such parliamentary defeat suffered since he was elected premier in 2006. The votes were only, however, of symbolic significance since their initiators did not achieve the majority of 61 lawmakers needed in order to dissolve the Knesset. An almost complete absence of members of the Shas party, a key coalition member, led to the passage of the votes. This absence appears to have been in protest against the Knesset House Committee's decision to appoint Labor MK Avishay Braverman chairman of the Knesset Finance Committee, in opposition to Shas' wishes. Advertisement Yisrael Beiteinu passed a no-confidence vote that deals with the crisis in higher education, by a majority of 47 to 42 MKs. Party head Avigdor Lieberman said "the vote proves that the current government does not know how to rule - only how to survive - therefore, we must have elections." A second no-confidence vote, from the opposite side of the political spectrum, was initiated by Meretz, and deals with the lack of implementation of the Winograd Committee's findings on the Second Lebanon War. Meretz head Zehava Gal-on said in response that the vote marks "the beginning of the end" for the Olmert administration. The Justice for Pensioners faction, an offshoot of the Pensioners Party, initiated a no-confidence vote dealing with the government's failures with regards to elderly care, which passed by a majority of 50 to 48. Faction head Moshe Sharoni said the result serves to prove that the pensioners' struggle is a just one. Likud whip Gideon Saar said after the three votes Monday: "Tonight's series of humiliating defeats proves that the faltering government has reached the end of its road." Saar added: "The government that had lost the public's confidence long ago has also lost the confidence of the Knesset." Monday's defeats were especially hard on MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima), who only hours earlier replaced Minister Eli Aflalo in becoming the new coalition chairman. Hasson stated in response that "the results were decided in advance," adding: "the opposition took advantage of an internal conflict between Labor and Shas." "At no point during the votes was there any threat to the government's stability," Hasson added. He vowed to take action in resolving future internal conflicts within the coalition. Related articles: Despite no-confidence vote, Olmert won't dismiss Labor ministers Labor MKs vote in favor of backing bill to dissolve Knesset Kadima MKs: We'll overthrow PM if no primary is set Bookmark to del.icio.us   Brown's ultimatum British PM to Knesset: Iran must suspend nuclear bid or face global isolation. One giant leap VIDEO: Israeli-developed device allows paraplegics to walk again.   1.   3 no confidence votes 21:01  |  Marvin hirschhorn 21/07/08   2.   If any MKs had any integrity, they would resign. 21:15  |  David 21/07/08   3.   Seeing is Believing...... 21:34  |  Dagma 21/07/08   4.   Seeing is Believing...... 21:34  |  Dagma 21/07/08   5.   To DAVID # 2 - Excellent Post. 22:01  |  Dolly 21/07/08   6.   $ha$ will always vote for the shekel in their pockets 23:19  |  Arie 21/07/08   7.   A banana republic 01:12  |  Johnboy 22/07/08   8.   Get rid of the traitor, Olmert 02:07  |  judith 22/07/08

Read & React Brown to Knesset: Iran must suspend nuclear bid or face global isolation Responses: 163 Report: Israel willing to free Barghouti for Shalit Responses: 179 Yossi Sarid: Obama has already changed things for the better Responses: 110 Yoav Orgad: Before the Muslim minority becomes a majority Responses: 104 IDF reservists rail at having to guard former Jewish terrorist Responses: 45 Rosner's Domain What will Obama look for in Jerusalem (and Ramallah)? If Israel attacks Iran, 42% of Americans say U.S. should help (WTR) Do U.S. Jews really support 'necessary compromises' for peace? Why does Israel keep agreeing to prisoner swaps? More Headlines 00:08 Prosecution leans toward charging Katsav with rape 02:37 U.S. official preparing scathing report on Israel's West Bank policies 01:42 Talansky tries to hide pain, anger in final day under fire 21:31 McCain: Sanctions might stop Iran, but U.S. won't allow second Holocaust 19:16 Brown to Knesset: Iran must suspend nuclear bid or face global isolation 02:46 Olmert's Kadima sets date for party leadership battle 01:17 Ex-panel head: Olmert not implementing Holocaust survivor promises 02:05 Officials irked by increasing U.S. complaints about Palestinian issues 22:13 Lawmakers pass three no-confidence votes against gov't 02:36 Police: Olmert used charitable donations to pay for family flights 15:04 Report: Israel willing to free Marwan Barghouti for Shalit 19:09 VIDEO: Israeli-developed device allows paraplegics to walk again 21:35 Fearing Haredi ire, Knesset choir excludes women singers at Brown session Previous Editions Select Day 21 jul 20 jul 18 jul 17 jul 16 jul 15 jul 14 jul 13 jul 11 jul 10 jul 09 jul 08 jul

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