Israeli Knesset Approves Dissolution, Triggering New Elections and Legislative Reforms

After intense hours of political tension and frantic efforts to locate absent lawmakers, the Israeli Knesset approved the dissolution of the 25th Knesset late Thursday night. The coalition narrowly secured the required majority of 61 members to pass the motion, officially ending the current parliamentary term and setting the stage for new elections. The dissolution marks the transition to a caretaker government, with the parliamentary recess beginning on Saturday and lasting until the 26th Knesset convenes.

In the final hours before dissolution, the Knesset passed a series of significant legislative measures spanning social, economic, and security domains. Key economic reforms included increasing election funding advances to 80% of the funding unit, facilitating new party financing, and implementing an import reform dubbed "What’s Good for the U.S. is Good for Israel." Additionally, a credit database for small and medium businesses was established, and peripheral authorities were granted exemptions from competitive tenders for renewable energy projects. Regulations were also set for land access related to underground fuel facilities.

Consumer rights and civil protections were enhanced through laws mandating businesses to record phone transactions over 750 shekels and requiring tax, population, and social security authorities to send recorded voice messages to those not receiving text alerts. The Interior Minister was empowered to impose fees for electronic travel permits, and public transport payments via credit cards were authorized. Student protections were strengthened by prohibiting study interruptions due to reserve military service and approving accommodations for seriously ill students.

Family and welfare legislation expanded the definition of "family member" in sexual abuse statute limitations to include cousins and granted workers a day off on the memorial day of a first-degree relative. Commemorative and public order laws established a center honoring Golda Meir and designated a day to celebrate the heritage of Moroccan and North African Jewry. The Knesset also approved comprehensive construction waste management, extended police authority for warrantless searches in serious crimes, and prolonged emergency detention regulations due to overcrowding.

Victims of sexual offenses will now have their sampling kits stored by the police, and can express their views on requests to prohibit suspect name publication. To oversee parliamentary activities during the recess, a "Consensus Committee" was formed to manage committee and plenary sessions in emergencies. The legislative push before dissolution reflects an effort to complete a broad social and economic agenda amid a politically complex period, as Israel prepares for the 2026 elections.