Israel takes step toward snap election as Knesset votes to dissolve
Israel's Knesset has taken a significant step towards a snap election by voting to dissolve parliament. This decision comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces declining support in opinion polls following the 2023 Hamas attacks. The bill now moves to committee for further discussion before final approval, with potential implications for Netanyahu's political future.
- ▪Lawmakers voted almost unanimously to dissolve the 120-seat Knesset.
- ▪Netanyahu's coalition submitted the bill after an ultra-Orthodox faction accused him of failing to fulfill a promise.
- ▪Polls indicate that Netanyahu would lose the upcoming election, with his coalition lacking a parliamentary majority.
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Israel takes step toward snap election as Knesset votes to dissolveSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 20, 2026, 06:29 PMUpdated May 20, 2026, 06:29 PMJERUSALEM, May 20 - 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.
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