Israel Coalition Clears First Hurdle to Dissolve Knesset Amid Haredi Draft Crisis

The coalition’s bill to dissolve the Knesset passed its preliminary reading in the Knesset plenum with 110 votes in favor, beginning a process to move the election date forward from October 27. It will go to the House Committee for debate and must clear three readings to take effect, amid a rift with ultra-Orthodox parties over the haredi draft bill. The opposition has its own dissolution bills, and even if elections are moved, August is impossible due to a 90-day rule, leaving September or mid-October as likely dates. The piece also notes ongoing debates over the draft bill and related political tensions, alongside concerns about IDF manpower.