MKs advance bill to dissolve Knesset, potentially trigger slightly earlier elections

Key Points:

• The Knesset voted unanimously (110-0) in favor of a preliminary reading of a bill to dissolve the parliament, potentially triggering earlier elections set by the Knesset House Committee at least three months after final approval, with elections required by October 27 at the latest.
• The dissolution move follows a rift with ultra-Orthodox parties, particularly United Torah Judaism (UTJ), who pushed for dissolution due to the coalition's failure to pass legislation on military conscription exemptions for yeshiva students.
• Prime Minister Netanyahu, absent from the vote due to security consultations, has urged ultra-Orthodox parties to avoid early September elections, warning it could harm the right-wing bloc’s electoral chances, while attempting to revive the draft exemption bill to appease them.
• Opposition leaders welcomed the vote as signaling the end of what they call Israel’s worst government, while coalition members emphasized their legislative achievements and the need to pass a conscription law balancing Torah study and military service.
• Concerns remain about advancing controversial coalition legislation before dissolution, including bills affecting the attorney general’s powers and electoral reforms, with opposition calls to halt such measures amid the impending elections.