Right-wing Yemina faction officially breaks apart

Yemina, the new faction led by Ayelet Shaked, has officially dissolved.

By World Israel News Staff

The Knesset’s Arrangements Committee approved the split of Yemina on Thursday, making official the breakup that was announced by the right-wing faction immediately following the September 17 election.

There was some doubt as to whether Yemina would go through with the split. Its leader, Ayelet Shaked, former justice minister, opposed the faction’s dissolution, as did others.

However, other senior leaders, among them Rafi Peretz and Naftali Bennett, were in favor of breaking up the faction.

The original agreement made between the parties forming Yemina in fact called for its break-up following the elections.

MK Matan Kahana said at the committee meeting on Thursday that Yemina was acting “in accordance with the promise made to voters on the eve of the elections.”

However, some voters had expressed anger that the faction they had voted for was splitting up, Israel Hayom reported.

Yemina was formed less than two months before the election. It was comprised of three right-wing parties, the New Right, Jewish Home and the National Union.

The faction first called itself the United Right and on August 12 changed its name to Yemina, (or, “Rightward”). 

Yemina may not split into its original three parties but into two separate entities, the New Right party and a faction combining Jewish Home and the National Union.

However, it’s not yet clear if the Jewish Home and National Union will remain together.

Arutz7 reports that National Union MK Ophir Sofer said that he hoped the two parties would not break apart.

According to newspaper Makor Rishon, Shaked is the biggest loser as a result of the breakup. She loses her leadership position as the faction no longer exists and returns to become a member of the New Right, which is still officially led by Bennett.