Israeli MPs yesterday approved in first reading a bill calling for the dissolution of parliament, a major legislative move that pushes Israel to hold its fifth election in less than four years.
Members of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s coalition and the opposition, led by former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have been arguing in the Israeli parliament (Knesset) since last week over a bill that would allow the parliament to dissolve itself.
The coalition underlined its desire to get approval as soon as possible after Bennett announced last week that his alliance, founded eight years ago and ideologically divided because it has eight parties, is no longer viable.
However, Netanyahu and his allies have been negotiating to form a new government with him within the existing parliament to avoid new elections.
Both sides engaged in debate, but agreed late on Monday to put forward a bill that would complete the necessary steps to become law by the end of Wednesday.
The opposition’s willingness to dissolve parliament indicates that Netanyahu’s efforts to form a new government have stalled.
According to the bill, new elections will be held on October 25 or November 1, and this issue will need to be agreed upon after additional negotiations.
This law had to be extended until June 30, otherwise the settlers would lose their legal protection. However, if the Knesset is dissolved, this law is automatically renewed.
