Following concerted efforts by chareidi MKs to defeat the
proposal, on Wednesday the Knesset plenum passed a bill in
the Knesset plenum regarding financial arrangements for
couples in the process of divorce, which was brought for
second and third readings despite a decision by the
Agreements Committee. The bill allows property to be divided
even before a get is given, thereby undermining the
authority of the rabbinical courts and the entire issue of
marital status.
The decision to bring the bill for a vote in second and third
readings was made by Knesset Chairwoman MK Dalia Itzik
following a High Court petition filed by the Reform Movement
against her delay in bringing the bill for a vote in
violation of Knesset regulations.
The proposal was brought for second and third readings during
the final week of the summer session three months ago, but
the chareidi parties insisted it should be seen as a no-
confidence vote, so the vote was postponed until the first
day of the winter session, i.e. last week.
Then due to the decision to disband the Knesset and hold
general elections, the Knesset chose not to vote on
controversial proposals. Instead the Agreements Committee was
set up among the factions to determine which bills would be
brought for a vote.
The Agreements Committee determined that this law should not
be brought for a vote, but after the High Court petition was
filed against her, the Knesset Chairwoman deviated from the
Agreements Committee's decision.
Now some Knesset members worry that all of the decisions made
by the Agreements Committee could get canceled, resulting in
total anarchy before the Knesset closes for the elections
recess. One of the concerns is that Knesset House Committee
Chairman David Tal could call a vote for a proposal to
require a referendum on returning the Territories.
MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni said every effort was made to prevent
the law regarding asset distribution for couples seeking a
divorce from passing, but at the same time he noted that
because of the upcoming primaries for the secular parties as
well as the general elections campaign, it was very difficult
to persuade MKs not to act in a populist manner.
