Israel's government loses majority as backbencher quits ruling coalition

In a dramatic move, coalition whip Idit Silman announced Wednesday that she is quitting the coalition and will instead work to form a new government. Silman’s announcement, which she said was due to the “harming” of Jewish identity in Israel, means that the coalition no longer has a majority. Silman’s departure raises the possibility of new parliamentary elections less than a year after the government took office.