From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Lawmakers also advance opposition bill to disperse Knesset
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleAriela Karmel is a political correspondent at The Times of Israel. She previously reported for Calcalist and Haaretz. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern and African History from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
Lawmakers vote 53-0 in favor of a preliminary reading of an opposition bill sponsored by Blue and White MK Pnina Tamano-Shata, party chair Benny Gantz, and others to dissolve the Knesset.
The vote comes hours after lawmakers also unanimously approved a preliminary reading of a coalition-backed bill to dissolve the parliament.
“This is the beginning of the end. This failed government will go home sooner or later,” says Gantz in a statement.
According to the bill, elections would be held exactly 90 days after the law passes. The coalition’s bill does not specify a date but stipulates that it be set by the Knesset House Committee on a day no less than three months from the legislation’s final approval.
By advancing its own dissolution bill, the opposition ensures that an alternative path to early elections remains on the table even if the coalition abandons its legislation, increasing pressure on the government to demonstrate progress on a draft exemption law for yeshiva students or risk the ultra-Orthodox parties shifting support to the opposition bill.
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