Netanyahu ally resigns as speaker of Israel parliament

JERUSALEM: A right-wing ally of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stepped down as speaker of parliament on Wednesday in a blow to the embattled premier, the latest development in a months-long political crisis.

Yuli Edelstein's resignation paved the way for Netanyahu's rival Benny Gantz, who is trying to form a government, to place an ally in the powerful post. That could spell new risks for the premier as he faces trial for alleged corruption.

Lawmakers who oppose Netanyahu have pushed for a law blocking him from remaining prime minister while facing the charges, all of which he denies. Edelstein, a member of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party, had refused to schedule a speakership vote until a new government was formed, resigning instead after the Supreme Court set a Wednesday deadline for the vote.

"The High Court ruling constitutes a crude and arrogant intervention of the judiciary in the matters of the elected legislature," Edelstein said. "I won't allow Israel to descend into anarchy. I won't lend a hand to civil war," he said as the court´s deadline approached.

"I hereby resign from my position as Knesset speaker." His departure, however, would take effect only in 48 hours. That means he remains bound to call the vote on Wednesday in line with the Supreme Court order, according to attorney general Avichai Mandelblit.

Gantz´s centrist Blue and White party petitioned the Supreme Court, seeking to have Edelstein held in contempt. But Edelstein doubled down, insisting he would not schedule the vote for Wednesday.

"My conscience does not let me obey the ruling, which is why I resigned," he told the court on Wednesday, noting his replacement could decide on the matter. "I have no desire to hold the esteemed court in contempt, but in the light of its ruling, I have found myself in an impossible position, which is why I resigned," he said.