Israeli lawmakers advance bill to dissolve parliament in early reading
The Israeli Knesset has passed in its first reading a bill that would dissolve parliament and call early elections. The measure is a critical test for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition. A dispute over ultra-Orthodox conscription has deepened government tensions.
The Israeli Knesset passed in its first reading on Tuesday night a bill that would dissolve parliament and call early elections, with 61 votes in favour and 53 against. The bill was tabled by Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid and drew support from several lawmakers in the ultra-Orthodox Shas and United Torah Judaism parties. The Knesset has 120 seats.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the vote: 'We will use every option this week to keep the coalition together.' The dispute centres on the law governing exemption from compulsory military service for ultra-Orthodox Jewish students. The Supreme Court ruled last month that the exemption is unconstitutional.
The bill must pass two more readings to become law. If passed, Israel would head to its sixth election round since late 2022. According to a Channel 13 poll published Tuesday, Netanyahu's Likud party would win 22 seats — below the current 32. Lapid's Yesh Atid would take 24 and Naftali Bennett's new party 26. The shekel held flat against the dollar after the vote; the Tel Aviv exchange closed down 0.4 percent.
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