Israeli Parliamentarians Agree to Dissolve Parliament Bringing Early Elections

Jerusalem, Israel – The majority of Israel’s Parliamentarians have agreed to dissolve the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) and take the country to early elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave his support and that of the governing coalition as well. Barring any last minute changes early elections will be scheduled for September 4, 2012.

elections were originally scheduled to take place on October 22, 2013.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has been caucusing with his coalition partners about fixing a date for the elections. There are those that want to wait until after the major Jewish holidays and go for a vote in October and some who want the vote to take place in August as to limit uncertainty.

Sources in the Prime Minister’s Office say Netanyahu as well as his largest coalition partner Foreign Minister Avigdor Leiberman and his Israel Our Home Party would prefer elections in August. The more religious parties and the largest member of the opposition would prefer to wait until after the Jewish High Holidays in October.

Since Netanyahu is working on a compromise, September 4 is the election date supported by most sources in the Knesset. Until the Knesset is dissolved, the election date is set for October 22, 2013.

Members of the ultra religious Shas party met with members of the opposition and the coalition to hammer out a compromise. While they would prefer to wait until October, they will agree to a September 4th election.

Netanyahu is not expected to address the nation about the upcoming elections as he is in mourning over the loss of his father who dies two days ago at 102 years old.