Israeli Knesset Approves Dissolution and Sets October 27 Elections

The 25th Knesset approved the dissolution of parliament early Friday morning, passing amendments to the Political Parties Financing Law with 62 votes in favor and no opposition or abstentions. This decision officially sets the date for the 26th Knesset elections on October 27, 2024. The legislation also increases funding for political parties participating in the upcoming elections.

Prior to the vote, Shas party leader Aryeh Deri refused to support the bill unless the opposition joined the coalition in backing it. The coalition feared the bill might fail, which would have allowed the Knesset to continue working for an additional week. Legal counsel clarified that without a set dissolution date, the Knesset would have dissolved 90 days before the elections, on July 24, potentially enabling more legislative activity.

The approved amendments raise the advance election funding from 70% to 80% per Knesset member unit and increase additional funding per party from one to 1.4 units. New parties not represented in the outgoing Knesset will receive improved funding conditions, including early advances against a financial guarantee.

Alongside the dissolution vote, the Knesset also finalized a temporary provision to maintain mandatory IDF service at 32 months until January 2027. The proposal passed with 43 supporting votes, 12 opposing, and one abstention. The IDF has indicated that even this duration is insufficient given current operational demands, recommending a 36-month service period.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana described this Knesset as one of the most challenging in Israeli history, marked by protests, the prolonged war, and national tragedies, but also moments of broad consensus and legislative achievements. He expressed hope for a swift return to cooperation after the elections, emphasizing unity despite political rivalries.