Israel’s political system moved closer to early elections after Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz submitted a bill late Wednesday night to dissolve the 25th Knesset, alongside all coalition faction leaders, in a dramatic sign that the governing coalition may be nearing collapse.
The coalition’s decision to introduce the dissolution bill itself is widely seen as an attempt to maintain control over the timing of the elections and prevent the opposition from dictating the political process.
The proposal is expected to be brought to a vote next week, while the final election date will be determined during committee discussions in the Knesset.
ISRAEL HEADS TOWARD ELECTION MODE
Following the announcement, opposition leader Yair Lapid responded on social media with a brief message: “We are ready. Together.”
The political crisis intensified after ultra-Orthodox parties announced they would support dissolving the Knesset over disagreements surrounding legislation exempting Haredi yeshiva students from military service.
The coalition subsequently removed all government-backed legislation from the Knesset agenda, including a controversial appointments bill that would significantly expand government authority over senior state appointments.
NETANYAHU UNDER PRESSURE
The turning point reportedly came after Rabbi Dov Lando, the spiritual leader of the Degel HaTorah faction within United Torah Judaism, instructed party lawmakers to work toward dissolving the Knesset.
According to political sources, Rabbi Lando told party representatives that “there is no longer confidence in Netanyahu,” marking a significant escalation in tensions between the prime minister and his ultra-Orthodox partners.
Until this week, the Haredi factions had continued supporting coalition-backed judicial legislation despite ongoing disputes over military conscription.
CONTROVERSIAL APPOINTMENTS LAW IN JEOPARDY
One of the key pieces of legislation now facing uncertainty is the government’s proposed appointments law.
The bill would grant the government sweeping authority to appoint or dismiss senior officials, including the attorney general, civil service commissioner, IDF chief of staff, and heads of major security agencies.
The proposal also states that senior appointments could automatically expire 100 days after a new government is formed unless renewed.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly sought to pass the legislation before any elections are held.
WHO BENEFITS FROM DELAYING THE VOTE?
Sources close to Netanyahu say the prime minister still prefers to complete the government’s term and delay elections as long as possible.
According to political insiders, Netanyahu believes additional military and diplomatic achievements in the coming months could strengthen his position with voters.
At the same time, coalition tensions surrounding the draft exemption law continue to threaten government stability.
BATTLE OVER THE ELECTION DATE
Behind the scenes, coalition parties are already debating the timing of potential elections.
In addition to the original election date of October 27, several alternative dates are under discussion, including September 1 and September 15 — options reportedly favored by Shas leader Aryeh Deri.
Deri is believed to favor elections during the Hebrew month of Elul, arguing that religious momentum surrounding Selichot prayers could increase turnout among Shas supporters.
However, officials within Likud and Religious Zionist Party are reportedly urging caution and prefer postponing elections.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, whose party faces uncertainty over crossing the electoral threshold, is said to support delaying the vote as much as possible.
WILL THE GOVERNMENT SURVIVE?
Despite the dramatic developments, political sources say negotiations behind closed doors are continuing in an attempt to stabilize the coalition and avoid immediate elections.
Still, the submission of the dissolution bill marks the clearest indication yet that Israel may be entering another prolonged election campaign.
The coming days are expected to determine whether Netanyahu can once again preserve his coalition — or whether Israel is heading toward another highly charged political showdown at a time of ongoing regional instability and security tensions.
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