Israel: opposition presents bill to dissolve the Knesset

Forces opposed to Netanyahu reach agreement to put a bill to the vote today. Ultra-Orthodox parties divided on support for the measure

Opposition parties in the Knesset have unanimously announced their intention to include a bill to dissolve the Israeli Parliament on today’s agenda. The decision – described as “binding on all factions” – represents a further step towards the possible fall of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

According to the Times of Israel, the majority will attempt to block the initiative by filling the session’s agenda with its own legislative proposals in an attempt to postpone the preliminary vote on dissolution.

At the heart of the political tension is the issue of military service exemptions for yeshiva students, a sticking point that has also created friction within the coalition itself. The two main ultra-Orthodox parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism, have publicly announced their support for the bill in its preliminary reading, precisely to protest against the stalemate on legislation that would grant exemptions to religious youth.

However, the situation remains fluid. Shas, in particular, is working behind the scenes to prevent the government from falling, trying to postpone the vote despite public statements of support.

With Netanyahu’s coalition currently holding 68 of 120 seats, the vote of the ultra-Orthodox parties could prove decisive for the fate of the legislature.

If the bill to dissolve the Knesset passes the preliminary vote today, three more votes will be needed for it to come into force. If it is rejected, the opposition will have to wait six months to submit another bill to dissolve the Knesset to a vote.

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