Israel's ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party, submitted a bill on May 13 to dissolve the 25th Knesset and trigger early elections [1, 2, 3]. The dissolution bill was signed by leaders of six coalition parties, allowing Netanyahu to control the timing of any vote [1, 2, 3].
If approved by parliament on Wednesday, May 20, the bill would require new elections to be held within 90 days [1, 2, 3]. Early elections could take place by the third week of August 2026, almost two months ahead of the original October 27 general elections [1, 3]. Some sources say September 1 or 15 are possible election dates, or even October 27, though August remains the expected timeline if the bill passes [1, 2, 3].
Opposition parties had planned motions to dissolve parliament but Netanyahu's Likud submitted their bill first to control the schedule [1, 2, 3]. Opposition leader Yair Lapid of the centrist Yesh Atid party said, “We are ready and united,” ahead of the vote [3].
The bill followed growing tensions in the coalition after legislation restored draft conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, sparking dissatisfaction among ultra-Orthodox party members [1, 3]. Netanyahu has voiced concern to his ultra-Orthodox partners that early elections could lead to defeat. He warned, "Israel has not yet achieved the required accomplishment in Iran. I am not available to run an election campaign at this time" [2].
Netanyahu also warned security developments could delay the dissolution vote or the election itself [2]. Meanwhile, opposition leader Avigdor Lieberman cautioned Netanyahu might use military action for electoral advantage amid the early election talks [2].
The Knesset is scheduled to vote on the dissolution bill on May 20. Should the bill pass, elections are expected to be held by mid to late August, ahead of the currently scheduled October 27 date [1, 2, 3].
