Overview
- Israel’s parliament, which approved a preliminary dissolution Wednesday with 110 of 120 votes, still must pass three readings before the move becomes law.
- A parliamentary committee will set the date as reports float September or early October, with at least 90 days required after passage, otherwise the statutory deadline is October 27, 2026.
- Ultra‑Orthodox partners push for early September as Netanyahu favors a later timetable.
- The fight centers on Haredi military exemptions after a 2024 court ruling that ended blanket waivers, with wartime troop needs raising pressure on Netanyahu.
- Opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett formed the Beyachad alliance and say they are ready to run, with Bennett pledging an inquiry into the failures that led to the Oct. 7 attack if they win.