Knesset speaker refuses to set inauguration date
Members of the new coalition are furious with Knesset speaker Yariv Levin for not setting a date for the government to be sworn in.
Knesset speaker Yariv Levin of the Likud told the parliament today that Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid notified him he had succeeded forming a majority-backed government. Levin did not say when the swearing-in ceremony for the new government will be, merely noting that in accordance to the law, the ceremony has to take place by June 14.
The new coalition had hoped to be sworn June 10, but it now seems likely the ceremony will take place next week.
Coalition members accused Levin, a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, of trying to buy time to thwart formation of the new government. They believe Netanyahu and his associates are trying to persuade Yamina members to withdraw their support, depriving the coalition of the simple majority it requires.
New Hope chair Gideon Saar complained that Levin should have brought the inauguration to a vote already this week. He said, "A parliamentary majority has been formed to replace the government. The attempts to thwart this through various types of pressure on Knesset members or their families does not reflect anything but a desire to hold on to power at all costs."
