Party still reeling from Mofaz´ decision to join Netanyahu´s coalition; aims to present ´detention bill´ to prevent its MKs from forming new faction

The new Coalition is determined to stop a split in Kadima: The Ministerial Committee on Legislation is set to debate the government´s proposed "detention bill" this coming Sunday, in what Knesset sources described as a "especially expedited procedure."

Senior House sources told Ynet Monday that the government is scrambling to get the law passed for fear the Kadima´s Knesset members, who are unhappy with party Chairman Shaul Mofaz´ decision to joint Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu´s Coalition, may go rogue.

Mofaz´ decision has met fierce opposition within the party. A quorum of only seven MKs would be required to enable the group to break off from Kadima and form a new faction.

The bill, presented by Tzipi Livni´s replacement MK Yuval Zellner, states that in order for a faction to split from Kadima, which holds 28 seats, one-third of the party´s MKs would have to sanction the move.

Ynet has learned that Mofaz´ opposition within Kadima have been looking into the possibility of leaving the party in favor of a new political platform, possibly headed by the former chairwoman.

So far, only five Kadima MKs are backing the move.

Mofaz´ allies in the party attempted to submit the bill to the Ministerial Committee on Legislation on Sunday, moving for an immediate hearing, but they were denied. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 05/14/12)