Israeli Lawmakers Approve Initial Step to Dissolve Knesset for Snap Election
Israeli Parliament Moves Toward Early Elections
JERUSALEM, May 20 (Reuters) - Israel moved closer on Wednesday to a snap election after lawmakers gave an initial nod to dissolve parliament, with opinion polls showing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would lose the first national vote since the 2023 Hamas attacks.
Lawmakers voted almost unanimously for an early ballot in a preliminary reading of a bill to disband the 120-seat Knesset. If it receives final approval, a process that could take weeks, Israel could hold an election several weeks ahead of an October 27 deadline.
Coalition Dynamics and Legislative Process
Netanyahu's own coalition submitted the bill to dissolve parliament 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.
Parliamentary Vote and Next Steps
Some 110 members of parliament voted in favour of the bill to dissolve, with no opponents or abstentions. It now heads to committee where an election date is agreed, before going back to the Knesset for final approval.
Political Landscape and Netanyahu's Position
Challenges Facing Netanyahu
The vote comes at a pivotal time for Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister who leads the most right-wing government in his country's history.
Security Situation and War Impact
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 Troubles and Health Concerns
Netanyahu still 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.
Opinion Polls and Election Scenarios
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.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Steven Scheer and Rami AyyubEditing by Gareth Jones)
