(JNS) A campaign to delay elections for the 39th World Zionist Congress, the supreme body of the World Zionist Organization, which represents world Jewry, appeared on the point of success until it went down to defeat during a meeting of the presidium of the Zionist General Executive on Tuesday, August 6.

After a heated debate at the meeting, held online, supporters of delay failed to get the necessary two-thirds majority of those present. Seventeen presidium members voted in favor and 12 against with three abstentions.

The defeat took supporters of the delay by surprise. Since postponement was first broached some two months ago, those supporting the idea held the upper hand.

The change appears to be due to the Likud Party, which had been divided into two camps on the issue, but ultimately decided elections should proceed on schedule. This may have led others, such as the Shas Party, to join with Likud.