Israel’s parliament voted in the early hours of Thursday morning to dissolve itself, opening the door to new national elections scheduled for October 27. The vote came after lawmakers pushed through a series of significant bills on some of the country’s most contentious domestic issues before bringing the current legislative session to a close.
With parliament now disbanded, the existing government will continue to function in a limited caretaker capacity, handling only routine matters until a new administration takes shape following the elections.
Political parties are now turning their focus to the campaign ahead, working to finalize candidate lists, forge alliances, and launch efforts across the country to secure seats in the 120-member parliament.
In the final hours before dissolving, the Knesset passed a temporary law extending mandatory military service from 30 months to 32 months. The measure is designed to help the Israel Defense Forces keep pace with operational demands and ongoing security challenges.
At the same time, parliament approved separate measures that could expand military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men. One of those bills elevates Torah study to the status of a Basic Law in Israel, while another halts the arrest of haredi men who have avoided the draft.
Lawmakers also approved a measure permitting gender-segregated academic programs at the graduate level.
Rounding out the final legislative push, the Knesset passed changes to the country’s communications regulatory structure and approved a bill that would divide the duties currently held by the attorney general into separate roles.
