Knesset Votes To Dissolve, Setting Stage For Israel's October Elections

Israel's Knesset voted overnight Thursday to Friday to dissolve parliament, initiating new elections scheduled for October 27. The current administration will serve as a caretaker government until a new one is formed. Before dissolution, lawmakers passed several bills, including a temporary law extending mandatory military service from 30 to 32 months to meet Israel Defense Forces operational and security needs. Other approved legislation included the Basic Law on Torah Study, a bill ending the arrest of draft evaders, and legislation permitting gender-segregated academic programs. The dissolution formally begins the election campaign, with political parties now finalizing candidate lists and forming alliances for the 120-member Knesset.