Israeli Knesset Approves Dissolution of 25th Knesset, Sets Election Funding Rules

The Israeli Knesset officially approved the dissolution of the 25th Knesset on Friday, marking the start of the election campaign for the 26th Knesset. The bill passed unanimously with 62 members voting in favor and none opposing or abstaining. This legislation, part of the Political Parties Financing Law, formally ends the current Knesset's term and initiates the election recess.

Alongside the dissolution, the law adjusts the funding framework for political parties contesting the upcoming elections. The advance funding rate per Knesset member will increase from 70% to 80% of a funding unit. Additionally, each party will receive a general supplement of 1.4 funding units. New parties and lists not currently represented in the Knesset will be eligible for an initial advance of two funding units upon notifying the Knesset Comptroller and providing a deposit. After final candidate lists are submitted, these parties can receive an increased advance of ten funding units, with any initial advance deducted from this amount.

The legislation was initiated by the Knesset Committee following recommendations from a public committee on party financing. These recommendations came after several parties requested adjustments to the election budget. The amendment was passed alongside a committee decision, which did not require legislation, to raise the total value of the funding unit for the 26th Knesset elections.