The final marathon session in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, unfolds as lawmakers rush to pass as many laws as possible before the midnight dissolution. The country gears up for its fifth election in three years following the collapse of the government-for-change coalition announced a week earlier by its supporters. A crucial vote on the draft legislation is scheduled for this Wednesday, with notice that the law dissolving the Knesset will take effect at the stroke of midnight.
At noon, the Israeli Parliament loses its power to enact laws until a new government is formed. The responsibility then shifts, by constitutional design, to the Foreign Minister, a transition expected to be carried out by Yair Lapid. Naftali Bennett remains prime minister for now, having served in that role for over a year, even as Benjamin Netanyahu sits in opposition after twelve years in power. Netanyahu’s bloc has pledged stability and change, signaling a tense political realignment on the horizon.
Beyond ideological disagreements
The outgoing cabinet is described as performing well on a foundation built by a complex coalition. In this room, a group of lawmakers is portrayed as capable of setting aside ideological divides to serve the state of Israel. Bennett’s last cabinet meeting occurred on a recent Sunday after the coalition lost its fragile 61-seat majority in April. The coalition, comprised of eight political parties spanning a broad spectrum, had united around a common goal: to remove Netanyahu from power.
The political commentary during this period included sharp critiques from various factions. One analyst accused Netanyahu of prioritizing personal political gain over national interests, reflecting the sharp polarity that defined the coalition’s final days. Meanwhile, internal votes and public statements highlighted the deep divisions and the high stakes in the ongoing political drama.
As the political maneuvering continued, Bennett and the Likud faced the challenge of navigating between ideological commitments and the immediate pressures of governance. The government’s stance on broader legal arrangements and policies—particularly those affecting settlers, civil versus military law, and the management of occupied territories—drew extensive attention and debate among supporters and opponents alike.
Autumn elections
The rush to dissolve the Knesset is explained by the vote dynamics that destabilized the current government and reshaped the near-term political landscape. The settler-related legal status remains in effect, complicating any rapid changes should the government collapse before the deadline. The looming timetable sets a hard cutoff: Thursday, June 30, at midnight. Bennett and Lapid have considered forming an alternative government to counter Netanyahu, but the path remains uncertain for now.
Two potential election dates are on the table: October 25, the date preferred by a religious opposition bloc, and November 1, favored by coalition partners and an Arab joint list. Israel’s political calendar now pivots on these possibilities, with discussions continuing about how to align policy agendas with the needs of a diverse electorate.
On the final day of the 24th Knesset, lawmakers confront decisions about controversial legislation and strategic reforms. Among the items discussed are proposals to increase public spending in the context of upcoming campaigns and significant infrastructure projects, including a proposed Metro expansion to Tel Aviv and its suburbs. Debates also focus on legal and administrative reforms that would affect Israel’s eligibility for international programs, such as a potential move toward a United States visa waiver arrangement.
In this moment of transition, the parliament stands at a crossroads. The actions taken in the hours before dissolution will shape the political landscape for months to come, influencing both the policy directions of the incoming government and the broader conversations about governance in Israel. The period ahead promises to be a defining chapter in the country’s democratic process, as multiple parties navigate the complexities of coalition governance and national priorities.
Note: This summary reflects events and debates surrounding the final days of the 24th Knesset and the immediate considerations ahead of autumn elections, including legal status questions, potential reform pathways, and the strategic calculations of major political actors.