Knesset approves preliminary vote to disband, call early elections

The Knesset approves a preliminary reading of a bill to dissolve the parliament and call early elections, the fourth in two years.

The parliament debates six proposals all calling for the Knesset to be disbanded.

The first passes 61-54.

Arab lawmakers from the Ra’am faction skip the vote.

The government won’t automatically fall right now. After the preliminary reading, the bill will probably go to the Knesset’s House Committee — controlled by Blue and White — where it is reportedly likely to be held at least until Monday to provide a chance for last-ditch talks with Likud, which reports say are unlikely to yield an agreement.

After a committee approval, the bill would have to be supported by lawmakers in three more readings. If that happens, the Knesset will dissolve and MKs will have to agree on a date for elections, which will happen between March and June 2021.