Israeli Knesset approves preliminary bill for dissolution, paving way for early elections

Israel's Knesset (parliament) approved a bill for its dissolution in a preliminary reading on Wednesday with support from both coalition and opposition lawmakers. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said 110 lawmakers voted in favor of the proposal, while no members opposed it, according to the Knesset's official channel. The vote marks the first stage in the legislative process to dissolve the Knesset and potentially pave the way for early elections.

Netanyahu's absence

According to the daily Yedioth Ahronoth, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not attend the preliminary vote in the Knesset plenum because he was holding a security meeting. The dissolution bill will still require additional readings before becoming law.

Coalition crisis

The move comes amid a growing coalition crisis over a bill to exempt ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students from military service. Netanyahu had previously warned ultra-Orthodox parties that early elections could lead to a coalition defeat, stating Israel "has not yet achieved the required accomplishment in Iran."

Political context

The opposition has long called for early elections, which Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected. Three possible dates have been proposed: Sept. 1, Sept. 15, or Oct. 27.