Knesset Approves Part of Natural Gas Framework Deal

The Knesset approved part of the natural gas framework Monday by a 59-51 vote after two years of constant threats by natural gas companies to pull out of the development of off-shore energy fields.

However, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu postponed a vote on the critical part of the deal that gives the government full authority over contracts with the companies. Minister of Economy Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas Sephardi Hareidi party, wants the authority in his hands.

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