ALBAWABA - Israeli lawmakers voted in favor of a bill submitted by the ruling coalition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to dissolve parliament and pave the way for early elections, local media reported on Wednesday.
In a preliminary reading, 110 out of 120 lawmakers wanted to advance the bill, while no one voted against it. The bill will now be handed over to a committee before three more parliamentary readings.
If the bill is ultimately approved, then an early election would be held after 90 days.
It is worth noting that elections are currently scheduled to be held at the end of the legislative term on October 27, 2026.
An Israeli left-wing activists holds up placards during a protest in HaBima Square against the ongoing war with Iran and against the Israeli government, in Tel Aviv on May 2, 2026. Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP
Prime Minister Netanyahu is facing huge pressure from ultra-Orthodox parties, while his coalition appears to be facing possible collapse.
Ultra-Orthodox lawmakers accuse "Netanyahu of failing to deliver on his promise to pass legislation that would permanently exempt young men of their community from compulsory military service if they are studying in yeshivas, or religious seminaries," AFP reported.
On Wednesday, coalition chairman Ofir Katz revealed, "This coalition has completed its days.
"This is the only opposition that caused the coalition to grow. In this term, we passed nine budgets and 520 laws," he mentioned.
The bill, however, does not set a date for elections.
