Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, May 21: Israel’s parliament took a significant step toward potential early elections on Wednesday after lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to advance a bill to dissolve the Knesset, raising the prospect of renewed political instability for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a preliminary vote, 110 out of 120 members supported the motion, with no opposition votes recorded and the remainder abstaining. The proposal, introduced by the ruling coalition itself amid internal disagreements, will now move to committee review before undergoing three additional readings required for final approval.
If the bill is ultimately passed, the dissolution of parliament would automatically trigger national elections within 90 days, potentially advancing the current deadline of October 27.
The move comes at a time of growing strain within Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition, particularly over disputes with ultra-Orthodox factions. These parties have accused the prime minister of failing to deliver on promises related to legislation granting military service exemptions for their communities — a long-standing and contentious issue in Israeli politics.
Coalition tensions have created an opening for opposition parties, which have been pushing for early elections in an effort to capitalise on declining support for Netanyahu in opinion polls. Political commentators say the situation remains fluid and could still change depending on legislative compromises or shifting security conditions.
Israeli political analyst Myriam Shermer, quoted by AFP, noted that the dissolution process could still be halted if agreements are reached on exemption laws for ultra-Orthodox students. She also suggested that external developments could influence the political timeline.
Coalition chairman Ofir Katz acknowledged the deepening crisis, stating, “This coalition has completed its days.”
Opposition leaders have already declared that “the election campaign has begun,” as rival political blocs begin preparing for what could be another highly competitive and fragmented national vote with no clear governing majority in sight.