TEL AVIV, May 20, 2026 (WAFA) – The Israeli Knesset on Wednesday approved in a preliminary reading its dissolution, with unanimous support from all 110 lawmakers who participated in the vote and no opposition. The move will still require first, second, and third readings before early elections can be called.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ‘Defense’ Minister Israel Katz, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Knesset member Aryeh Deri were absent from the Knesset plenary session and the vote.
Amid the ongoing crisis between the Haredi parties and the ruling coalition over the military exemption law, proposals have emerged to hold early elections on September 1 or 15.
The Haredi parties believe they could secure stronger gains if elections are held during that month due to religious occasions preceding Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
October 27, the original election date, has also been floated as a possible date.
In light of the ongoing war on Iran, the broader security situation, pending legislation in the Knesset, and appointments yet to be approved, the Israeli government prefers delaying elections as much as possible.
Another possible election date, October 6, has also been discussed amid growing anger among the Haredi parties toward Netanyahu.
The crisis between the two sides has continued over the failure to pass the draft exemption law and continued delays in the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. The Haredi parties have threatened to push for dissolving the Knesset close to October 7, a move seen as deliberately harmful to the prime minister and the coalition.
Under Israeli law, elections cannot be held until 90 days after final approval of the bill dissolving the Knesset.
The bill is expected to be referred to one of the Knesset committees for discussion ahead of its first reading, opening the door to a legislative process that could lead to early elections.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu continues efforts to prevent the dissolution of the Knesset and remains committed to holding elections on their original date at the end of October by continuing negotiations with the Haredi parties in an attempt to persuade them to delay moves to topple the government.
The developments come amid rising tensions within the governing coalition led by Benjamin Netanyahu and a deepening crisis over the Haredi exemption from military service.
T.R.
