Israel heads to early elections after initial vote to dissolve Knesset

Some 110 lawmakers in the Israeli parliament voted almost unanimously in favor of the bill to dissolve the Knesset in a preliminary reading, without registering any opposition or abstention. Netanyahu's own coalition has submitted the project, which needs final approval that could take several weeks. The move came after a puritanical religious faction, traditionally known for its proximity to the prime minister, accused Netanyahu of not fulfilling his promise to pass a law exempting its followers from compulsory military service. If the project receives final approval, elections may be held weeks ahead of schedule on October 27. The development comes at a crucial moment for Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister in history. Opinion polls that have been ongoing since the attacks of October 7, 2023, indicate that his ruling coalition's chances of achieving a parliamentary majority have declined. Israel is currently fighting wars on multiple fronts including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah God in Lebanon and Iran, which are still unstable fronts that may affect the electoral landscape. Netanyahu also faces a long-term trial on corruption charges, while Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog is brokering a negotiating agreement that could lead to his exit from political life. The health of Netanyahu, 76, raises additional questions, as he recently announced that he has received successful treatment for prostate cancer and was implanted with a pacemaker in 2023. Despite expectations With the loss of Netanyahu's coalition, there remains the possibility that opposition parties will be unable to form a coalition, potentially leaving him at the helm of an interim government.