Israel's parliament dissolves ahead of October 27 elections

Israel's parliament voted early Friday to dissolve itself, clearing the way for national elections on October 27. The vote followed a last-minute legislative push by the government to satisfy its coalition allies.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking another term despite weakened public support.

Why did Israel's parliament dissolve?

Israel's parliament dissolved after 62 of the Knesset's 120 members backed the move in a final vote. The decision followed a marathon session in which the ruling coalition passed several contentious bills. These included measures stripping power from the attorney general, pausing arrests of draft dodgers, and increasing government oversight of media outlets. The same bill that triggered dissolution also raised funding for political parties.

When will the Knesset actually stop functioning?

Despite the dissolution vote, Knesset legal adviser Sagit Afik said the chamber can keep operating for roughly 10 more days. A law confirming the election date was sent back to committee after parliamentary deadlock. This procedural delay will not stop the parliamentary term from ending, and the October 27 election date remains set.

What did Israel's parliament speaker say about the vote?

Speaker Amir Ohana closed the overnight session by reflecting on a difficult legislative term. He said the period was marked by constant protests and coincided with the country's longest and toughest war. On the election ahead, Ohana said Israel is heading into a battle of ideas defined by increasingly sharp political divisions.

Who is challenging Netanyahu in the election?

Netanyahu, 76, is Israel's longest-serving prime minister but enters the race in a weakened position. Polls show most Israelis want him to step down, driven largely by anger over security failures tied to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. Former military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot appears to be his strongest rival at the ballot box.