by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – Israel moved another step closer to early elections after the coalition’s bill to dissolve the Knesset passed its first reading late Monday night by a vote of 106-0, with no lawmakers voting against the measure.
The vote advances a process that could move Israel’s next election forward from its current October 27 date, though lawmakers have not yet agreed on a final election day. The Knesset House Committee approved the bill earlier Monday for its first reading, while leaving the election date to be settled before the second and third readings.
The bill comes amid a deepening coalition crisis between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the haredi, or ultra-Orthodox, parties over legislation dealing with military conscription. Haredi factions have pressed for a draft bill preserving broad exemptions, while several coalition lawmakers have warned that the proposal would fail to address the Israel Defense Forces’ urgent manpower shortage after more than two years of war.
Lawmakers have discussed possible election dates ranging from September 8 to October 20, though coalition whip Ofir Katz said the range is not binding. The bill must still pass two additional readings before the Knesset is formally dissolved.
Dean Livne, acting director general of the Central Elections Committee, told lawmakers the committee would carry out elections on whatever date the Knesset sets, but requested at least 83 days to prepare. He also warned that holding elections near the High Holy Days could complicate vote counting and delay the publication of official results.
The haredi parties Shas and United Torah Judaism have reportedly pushed for a September election before the High Holy Days, while Netanyahu is said to prefer a later October date, giving the coalition more time to advance legislation and pursue military objectives.
The coalition’s decision to submit its own dissolution bill is widely seen as an effort by Netanyahu to retain greater control over the timing and pace of the election process. The measure passed its preliminary reading last week by a 110-0 vote.
The crisis intensified after Netanyahu told haredi party leaders in mid-May that the draft legislation lacked enough coalition support to pass. Rabbi Dov Lando, spiritual leader of Degel Hatorah, later wrote to the faction’s lawmakers, “We no longer have trust in Netanyahu.”
Opposition leaders have meanwhile vowed not to form a future coalition with the haredi parties, setting the stage for a volatile election season if the dissolution bill receives final approval.
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