Israeli Knesset passes laws favoring Netanyahu allies; dissolves

Israel's Knesset dissolved on Friday, July 17, after passing contentious legislation favoring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's allies, ahead of the October 27 election where he seeks re-election. The parliament is now in recess until the election. Analysts suggest much of the legislation was designed to appease Netanyahu's far-right and ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) supporters to secure his electoral success. The motion to disband parliament was attached to a financing bill that increases public funding for political parties during elections, which opposition leader Avigdor Liberman called a "contemptible attempt to tie the end of the session to increasing funding." Political analyst Nadav Eyal noted that Netanyahu is demonstrating to his ultra-Orthodox allies that he is their sole supporter, stating, "Netanyahu is fighting for his political survival, and the Haredi parties are essential to it." The passed laws included reducing the attorney general's powers, easing actions against Haredi draft dodgers, and increasing government oversight of media companies.