Iran Press/ Middle East: The dramatic political development brings the fragile Israeli coalition — which until now had a narrow one-seat majority — to the brink of collapse less than a year after it was formed.
Coalition chairperson MK Idit Silman announced Wednesday morning she couldn't support the unity government and called for forming a new right-wing government without holding fresh elections.
Silman's departure comes after she received an offer from the Likud party to guarantee her tenth place on the party's list of candidates for the Knesset in the next election. Silman was a member of Bennett's own Yamina party.
Bennett has canceled his schedule for today and is holding consultations on how to proceed. Minister of the Interior Ayelet Shaked has also canceled her planned meetings for today.
Netanyahu welcomed Silman's decision and said, "she proved that what interests her is the Jewish identity of Israel."
Netanyahu called on other right-wing members of the coalition to follow Silman "and come back home."
At least two others – minister of interior Ayelet Shakked and MK Nir Orbach —spoke publicly about their discomfort regarding some of the government's policies.
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