Israel Sets Oct 27 2026 Election After Parliament Dissolves

The Israeli Knesset voted to dissolve itself in the early hours of 17 July 2026, ending a full four‑year term – the first such completion since 1988. The dissolution paves the way for a general election scheduled for 27 October 2026.

In its final weeks the parliament approved two funding packages for West Bank settlements, allocating 1.3 billion shekels for 34 new settlements and an additional 1.075 billion shekels for roads connecting them. Political analysts note that support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition is weakening, with polls projecting the opposition bloc at 62 seats versus 48 for Netanyahu’s Likud. Former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot’s newly founded Yashar party is tied with Likud in the polls, positioning Eisenkot as a leading contender for prime minister.

Knesset Chairman Amir Ohana said, “We have completed a four‑year term, passed nine budgets, and hundreds of laws,” highlighting the rarity of a full term in Israel’s recent political history.