Knesset votes on expulsion of left-wing MK Ofer Cassif over support of ICJ case against Israel

The Knesset has held a vote today on whether to oust far-left Hadash-Ta'al MK Ofer Cassif.

The move requires the approval of 90 of the parliament's 120 members. As of now, 81 MKs are planning to support Cassif's expulsion.

Representatives of the Yisrael Beytenu party continue their efforts to attract additional MKs to their side. Members of Hadash-Ta'al are attempting to decrease the number of supporters.

It is reported that some MKs from United Torah Judaism intend to vote against Cassif's removal. MKs of the National Unity political alliance and the Yesh Atid party have been granted freedom to vote.

On January 30, the Knesset's organizational committee approved a request submitted by a member of the Knesset Oded Forer (Yisrael Beiteinu) to exclude Hadash-Ta'al member Ofer Cassif from members of the Knesset. Fourteen deputies voted in favor of Cassif's exclusion, while two voted against.

The attorney general of Israel opposes this initiative. According to representatives of Gali Baharav-Miara, there are not sufficient grounds for such a radical step.