What’s happening
MK Benny Gantz’s National Unity Party proposed a bill on Tuesday to cancel the Knesset’s summer recess, which is scheduled to last nearly three months, from July 29 to October 28. The proposal seeks to ensure parliamentary oversight and legislative activity continue during this critical time for Israel.
Why it matters
The proposal comes amidst heightened security concerns, with 120 hostages still in Hamas captivity and widespread disruptions affecting thousands of Israeli civilians and servicemen. Recessing for three months could impede essential government functions and harm the country’s preparedness in wartime.
The details
The party’s statement emphasized, “Recessing for three months at this time harms oversight of the government in wartime and is not in the public’s interest. Essential bills and debates on various issues, including the haredi draft bill, service extent for military personnel, rehabilitation of the North, reservists’ welfare, and returning evacuated residents to their homes, are at hand and require immediate attention.”
The bill echoes a previous attempt by Yisrael Beytenu MK Oded Forer to cancel recess before the six-week Passover recess, which ultimately proceeded as scheduled.
Long recess raises concerns
This year’s summer recess, spanning 91 days, ties for the longest in Israel’s history, significantly surpassing the average of 77 days. Although the Knesset can operate during recess through special procedures and protocols, these mechanisms have limitations that may restrict the effectiveness of legislative and oversight activities in crisis situations.
Strategic actions amid opposition
A majority of Knesset Members (at least 61) can demand plenary sessions for motions like no-confidence votes, which may disrupt the government’s activities during the recess. However, the coalition has ample tools to manage such actions. Knesset Home Committee Chairman MK Ofir Katz and Knesset Speaker MK Amir Ohana hold authority to freeze particular legislative moves during recess, safeguarding stability.
Knesset committee activities
Despite the call to cancel the recess, the Knesset Home Committee on Tuesday decided to limit most committees to seven debates during the recess. Exceptions include the Education, Culture, and Sports Committee (eight debates) and the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, which will have unlimited debates. Each committee can also advance bills pertinent to the current war and hold additional sessions specific to wartime oversight.
This story was first published on jpost.com.