Israel has taken a step toward a snap election after lawmakers gave preliminary approval to dissolve the 120 seat parliament. The bill passed almost unanimously and now moves to committee, where a date for the vote will be set before returning for final approval. If completed, the process could bring elections forward from the current late October deadline to as early as September.

The move follows a split within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition after an ultra Orthodox faction withdrew support, accusing him of failing to deliver legislation exempting their community from mandatory military service. Opposition parties have long sought to bring down the government, and advancing the election timeline could energize their campaign while limiting the coalition’s legislative agenda.

Opinion polls indicate Netanyahu’s bloc would fall short of a majority if elections were held now, though the opposition could also struggle to form a stable coalition. Netanyahu faces challenges from former prime minister Naftali Bennett, opposition leader Yair Lapid and former military chief Gadi Eizenkot, who are campaigning on promises to heal national divisions after the October 7 attacks and subsequent regional conflicts.

Additional uncertainty surrounds Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, speculation about a possible plea agreement and concerns about his health. Continued tensions with Gaza, Lebanon and Iran may also influence the timing and outcome of any election.