Israeli Knesset Officially Dissolves, Setting Stage for New Elections

The 25th Knesset officially concluded its term overnight between Thursday and Friday after the plenum approved the final reading of the dissolution law. This decision launches Israel into an election campaign that will culminate with the inauguration of the 26th Knesset. The vote followed intense political drama and strenuous efforts by coalition leaders to secure the necessary majority.

During the evening, difficulties arose in gathering enough Knesset members for the vote, with some absent and unresponsive to calls. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Defense Minister were called in to assist in rallying support. Ultimately, the coalition secured the crucial 61st vote at the last moment. Knesset members Galit Distel Atbaryan and Avi Maoz were summoned late at night to join the vote that approved the dissolution clause.

Behind the scenes, a crisis emerged with the Shas party. After pressure from Netanyahu, Shas agreed to support the dissolution, enabling the coalition to reach the required majority. Earlier, Shas leader Aryeh Deri had left the plenum with his party members upon realizing the opposition would not back the party funding law. Deri stated, "I will educate the opposition that the ultra-Orthodox are not just after money. We don’t need this money. Shas is the most organized party without debts. They want this law more than us but want us to pass it, take the criticism, and let them get the funds. That will not happen."

Despite the tensions and crisis, the coalition succeeded in completing the Knesset dissolution process, officially ushering in the next election cycle.