image sourced from original article at Lawmakers voted unanimously, 110 to 0, to advance a preliminary bill to dissolve the Knesset, potentially triggering early elections. The legislation does not set a date, leaving that decision to a parliamentary committee, but elections must be held within five months of the law’s final approval, no later than late October. The timeline for completing the bill’s required readings remains uncertain.
The move follows pressure from ultra-Orthodox parties angered by the coalition’s failure to pass a law formalizing military conscription exemptions for yeshiva students. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly warned against holding elections as early as September, arguing it could harm the right-wing bloc’s chances, while opposition figures hailed the vote as the beginning of the government’s end.
Coalition leaders say they are racing to pass key legislation before any dissolution takes effect, including measures related to conscription and changes to the attorney general’s role. Opposition lawmakers have urged a halt to controversial bills during the transition period. Recent polling suggests shifting political dynamics, with the current coalition facing challenges in securing a future majority.
