Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has taken a significant step toward early elections after a bill to dissolve the legislature passed a preliminary vote on Wednesday. Out of 120 members, 110 lawmakers supported the measure. The bill will now proceed to committee review and must pass three further readings before becoming law.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to favor holding the general election as scheduled at the end of October, despite the preliminary approval. He is expected to continue talks with ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) parties to delay the dissolution process. Haredi factions have recently shown willingness to back opposition-led dissolution bills, though their cooperation remains uncertain.

Several controversial legislative proposals remain under discussion, including plans to divide the attorney general’s powers, place the police internal affairs unit under the justice minister, and reform media oversight. These measures require Haredi support, which has been inconsistent. Additionally, the Knesset’s Foreign and Defense Committee is set to discuss bills on extending mandatory military service and exempting Haredi men from conscription, reportedly at Netanyahu’s direction.