Israel's Knesset Votes 106-0 to Dissolve, Snap Elections Loom

(MENAFN) Israel's parliament, the Knesset, moved decisively toward early elections late Monday, approving the first reading of a self-dissolution bill by an overwhelming 106 votes in favor and none against, media reported.

The proposed legislation opens a potential election window stretching from September 8 to October 20, according to an Israeli news outlet— though the precise date remains a fault line between coalition partners.

The ultra-Orthodox Shas party is pushing hard for a September 15 vote, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party is maneuvering to delay the election until the natural end of the current term. The standoff underscores the fragile internal tensions that have helped accelerate the push for an early ballot in the first place.

Israel's legislative elections had originally been calendared for October 27. However, the government's inability to pass a law exempting ultra-Orthodox Jews from mandatory military service has dramatically intensified pressure for an accelerated vote — exposing deep rifts within the ruling coalition.

The bill is far from enacted. Under Israeli law, legislation must clear three separate readings before taking legal effect. Walla reported the bill will now be referred back to a Knesset committee following Monday's first-reading approval, where it will be prepared for its second and third readings — at which point a firm election date is expected to be set.

The vote marks a significant — if not yet final — step toward what could be a consequential early election in one of the region's most closely watched democracies.

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