Israeli Knesset Sets October 27, 2026 Election Date Amid Final Legislative Push

The Israeli coalition has confirmed that the 26th Knesset elections will take place as originally scheduled on October 27, 2026, with the official dissolution of the Knesset set for July 17. This decision was finalized despite legal debate, as the Knesset legal advisor demanded the election date be tied to the approval of the party funding law, a condition the coalition rejected, citing the date's statutory basis.

Coalition chairman Ofir Katz emphasized the Knesset's accomplishments, noting it completed its full term for the first time in over 40 years, passing nine budgets and hundreds of laws benefiting Israeli citizens. Before the Knesset dissolves, a legislative marathon is planned this week to pass several key laws in their second and third readings.

Among the major bills expected to be approved are the Basic Law on Torah Study, extending mandatory military service, and legislation concerning the detention of Torah students. The Basic Law on Torah Study, initiated by MK Moshe Gafni of Degel HaTorah, passed committee approval after a compromise removed a controversial clause, affirming Torah study as a fundamental value of the Jewish people.

Another significant bill is the split of the Attorney General's role into two separate positions: the legal advisor to the government and the Attorney General who heads the prosecution. This move, supported by 59 MKs against 45, aims to structurally separate these functions.

Additionally, the Communications Law, spearheaded by MK Karai, is set for final readings. This reform includes establishing an independent broadcast authority, launching a free national app for open channels, banning forced sports package subscriptions, and requiring content providers to invest progressively in original Israeli productions. Other expected laws include extending regular military service, regulations on Torah student detentions, and party eligibility laws for ultra-Orthodox parties.