Netanyahu closer to far-right Israel gov’t with new legislation

Israeli prime minister-designate has served in government with Shas leader Aryeh Deri before - a new amendment passed by the Knesset will allow Deri to serve as a minister despite a conviction [File: Sebastian Scheiner/AP Photo]

Israeli Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu has moved one step further towards establishing a government after parliament approved divisive legislation that will benefit his far-right and ultra-Orthodox coalition partners.

One of the highly controversial amendments on Tuesday will allow an Israeli politician to serve as a government minister despite a conviction for tax fraud.