Israel Our Home leader Avigdor Lieberman (AP file)
Cabinet narrowly backs Lieberman's presidential system bill
By Ronny Sofer October 22, 2006
The government adopted on Sunday a draft bill on changing the government system in Israel, submitted by Israel Our Home leader Avigdor Lieberman.
Twelve ministers voted in favor of the bill, 11 voted against and one abstained.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz said Israel Our Home should join the coalition to ensure the government can serve a full term in office.
"All those who have complaints about instability should back Lieberman's joining. This is about the advancement of a draft bill, about changing the government system according to Kadima's restrictions," he said.
Aides to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Ynet before the cabinet session: "We are not worried. The draft bill will pass and in the end Kadima's proposal will be presented in the Knesset."
"Draft bill is problemactic"
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said a Knesset committee would review both Lieberman's and Kadima's versions of the draft bill on Sunday afternoon.
Lieberman conditioned his membership in the government with the adoption of his proposal for changing the government system in Israel.
Labor leader Amir Peretz said Sunday that both draft bills should be put up for a vote in the Knesset.
Labor and coalition partners Shas oppose Lieberman's proposal and said their factions would vote against the bill in the Knesset.
"Lieberman is wanted in the government but his draft bill is problematic. I don't know what Labor would decide on the matter, but we won't support the proposal," Shas leader Eliyahu Yishai said on Sunday.
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