Despite Losing Controversial Citizenship Vote, Bennett's Coalition Proved More Stable Than It Seems
At the moment of truth, what had been considered the coalition’s weakest links went out of their way to help the government – but a few rogue coalition members may hold them back
Three main conclusions arise from the tie vote in the Knesset Tuesday morning that thwarted the renewal of a temporary amendment to the citizenship law and dealt a searing defeat to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and his partner, Ayelet Shaked.
First, the Bennett-Lapid coalition is stronger and more unified than we thought. Second, the rightist opposition led by Benjamin Netanyahu is more irresponsible, cynical and reckless than we thought. Third, the fruitful cooperation between Netanyahu’s Likud party and the Arabs’ Joint List – which peaked when their voices mingled in cries of joy after the vote – will make it easier for Bennett to reach agreements with the latter party in the future. For instance, on the state budget.