The Knesset passed a new bill today allowing MK Yaakov Litzman, (UTJ) the former Health Minister, to once again run the Health Ministry as a Deputy Minister in place of a Minister, an arrangement previously in place until a High Court of Justice decision forced him to take up the mantle of a full Minister two years ago.

The opposition withdrew the 14 arguments that it had registered against the law in an effort to surprise the coalition and hold the vote early, while numerous ministers and coalition members were away at the funeral of Rabbi Raziel Shevach, who was murdered last night outside Havat Gilad.

Following the withdrawal, the Coalition members who were present flew into a panic, as there would not be a majority to pass the bill due to the absences of the Ministers and MKs who were paying their respects to the slain terror victim. However, the coalition managed to call back the Ministers and MKs from the funeral, as well as MKs from Shas who were attending the bris of Aryeh Deri’s grandson, to raise the needed 61 votes to pass the bill.

The move to hold the vote early was orchestrated by party chairmen of the Zionist Union and Yesh Atid in an attempt to overthrow the government. Orly Levy-Abekasis, currently an independent MK after leaving the Yisrael Beiteinu party last year, filibustered the Knesset until the phone calls could be made to the absent MKs and bring them back to the plenum floor. Members of the opposition grew furious at Levy-Abekasis, who’s speech prevented an immediate vote.

Following the drama in the plenum, the bill was voted on and passed once the MKs and ministers were able to return and Litzman was returned to being the head of the Health Ministry once again. “I am happy to be able to return to the Health Ministry in order to continue our important works there for all citizens of Israel. In my eyes, the field of health is of the highest importance, one that deals with saving lives on a daily basis,” Litzman said in a speech he made following his re-appointment.

In response to the attempt by the opposition, Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked has announced that she will refuse to table bills proposed by any member of the opposition as punishment for the insensitive attempt at capitalizing on the funeral of a terror victim.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)