Israel's Knesset dissolves ahead of October elections

Israel's parliament, the Israel — Knesset, dissolved early on July 17, 2026, after completing a full four-year term, a rare occurrence in Israeli politics. The dissolution came after a marathon of legislation passed in the final days of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government, including bills that effectively halt the military draft of ultra-Orthodox men, extend mandatory military service, and advance parts of the judicial overhaul, such as increasing government control over broadcast media and reducing the authority of the attorney general. National elections are scheduled for October 27, 2026. Netanyahu faces growing political pressure as Israel approaches the third anniversary of the October 7 attack, with opinion polls showing rising support for opposition parties led by former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and a centrist former military chief. The election campaign will focus on accountability for the October 7 failures, security strategy, religious conscription, and the rising cost of living. The defense budget has doubled since 2023, straining public finances. The last time an Israeli government completed a full term was in 1988.