Knesset Advances Bill for Israel Early Election Vote Within 90 Days

Israel's parliament took a major step toward holding an early national election on Wednesday, with lawmakers giving preliminary approval to a bill that would dissolve the legislature. The move signals significant political instability for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and sets the stage for the first election since the Hamas-led attacks of October 2023.

In an initial vote, 110 members of the 120-seat Knesset supported the bill, with no votes against or abstentions. The legislation must now proceed to a committee to set an election date before returning to the full parliament for final approval, a process that could take several weeks. If ultimately passed, an election would be held within 90 days, moving up the scheduled vote from its current deadline of October 27, 2026.

The push for an early election stems from a rupture within Netanyahu's own coalition. An ultra-Orthodox faction, traditionally a staunch ally, declared it no longer considers the prime minister a partner and is pushing for a new vote. Leaders of the faction accuse Netanyahu of failing to deliver on a promise to pass legislation that would permanently exempt their community's young men from...