Jerusalem, Israel. Israel moved closer to a snap election on Wednesday after lawmakers approved an initial vote on a bill to dissolve parliament, as opinion polls indicate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would lose the first national vote since the 2023 Hamas attacks.
Initial vote to dissolve the Knesset
Lawmakers voted almost unanimously in a preliminary reading to advance a bill disbanding the 120-seat Knesset. Some 110 members voted in favour, with no opponents or abstentions.
The bill now heads to committee, where an election date would be agreed, before returning to the Knesset for final approval. If it receives final approval, a process that could take weeks, an election could be held several weeks ahead of an October 27 deadline.
Coalition tensions over military service exemption
Netanyahu’s coalition submitted the bill after an ultra-Orthodox faction traditionally close to the Israeli leader accused him of failing to deliver on a promise to pass a law exempting their community from mandatory military service.
Political pressure and security context
The vote comes at a pivotal time for Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, who leads the most right-wing government in the country’s history.
Israel has been at war with Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran, fronts that remain volatile and could have an impact on the election.
Legal and health factors
Netanyahu faces a long-running corruption trial. Israel’s President Isaac Herzog is mediating talks to broker a plea deal in the case, which could see the 76-year-old Netanyahu retiring from politics as part of the deal.
Netanyahu’s health could also be an issue. He recently disclosed that he was successfully treated for prostate cancer and in 2023 he was fitted with a pacemaker.
Polling outlook and possible stalemate
Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, polls have consistently shown Netanyahu’s governing coalition falling far short of a parliamentary majority.
However, there is also a chance that opposition parties will fail to form a coalition, leaving Netanyahu at the head of an interim government until the political stalemate is broken.
What do you think will be the key factor shaping Israel’s next election outcome?
