Israeli Knesset passes reading of dissolution bill 106-0

Israel's parliament voted early Tuesday to advance a bill that would dissolve the Knesset, setting the country on a path toward early elections. The legislation passed its first reading unanimously, with 106 lawmakers in favor and none opposed.

The bill, which must still clear two more readings to become law, proposes holding elections between September 8 and October 20. The exact date will be determined during the next legislative stages. The current parliamentary term is otherwise set to expire on October 27, meaning an early election would only move the vote forward by several weeks.

The move toward dissolution stems from a deepening crisis within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition, primarily over the issue of military conscription for ultra-Orthodox men. For decades, students in religious seminaries, or yeshivas, have received broad exemptions from mandatory service. Ultra-Orthodox parties, key members of the ruling coalition, have accused Netanyahu of failing to pass legislation that would permanently secure these exemptions.

The dispute intensified last month after Netanyahu reportedly told ultra-Orthodox lawmakers that the coalition lacked the votes to...