JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition introduced legislation Wednesday to dissolve parliament, marking the initial formal move toward calling new elections this year.
The legislation paves the way for an official parliamentary vote to dissolve the body and set a date for new elections. Reports from Israeli media outlets indicate the preliminary vote could take place as early as next week.
Netanyahu’s governing coalition is approaching the conclusion of its four-year mandate and is required to conduct new elections no later than the end of October. However, several of Netanyahu’s ultra-Orthodox coalition partners have pressed him to move the election date earlier to the beginning of September.
The legislation specifies that elections must occur “no less than 90 days” following its passage, providing Netanyahu with the ability to select a timing that maximizes his chances of electoral success.
The current coalition has governed during a particularly challenging period that encompassed the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and subsequent military conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. Recent polling data suggests the coalition, which consists of religious and nationalist parties, may face difficulties securing reelection.
