The Knesset knocked down the extension of family reunification law, which prevents the reunification of Palestinian families, after deliberations and negotiations among Israeli government parties under the presidency of Naftali Bennett, according to which a “compromise” was reached with the United Arab List., which agreed to extend the law for 6 months. This ‘compromise’ was knocked down due to a tie between 59 supporting the motion and 59 opposing it. Despite the ‘compromise’ between Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked and the Chairman of United Arab List, Mansour Abbas, the Citizenship Law was knocked down due to a tie vote, as 59 MKs supported the ‘compromise’ and another 59 MKs opposed it. Meanwhile, two Knesset members abstained from voting. It is noteworthy that the law can be approved by an ordinary majority and not more than half of the Knesset members. The Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law was a temporary measure when it was first enacted in the midst of the second intifada in 2003. The law blocks the automatic granting of Israeli citizenship or residency to Palestinians on the basis of marriage to an Israeli and stipulates that the law remains in effect for only one year, and must be renewed by the Knesset. For further details, click here