Israels Knesset has voted to dissolve, ending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus coalition-forming struggles and triggering new elections.
The vote passed its second reading shortly after midnight, with 77 members of the Knesset voting in favor and 45 against. After a third and final vote, the parliament was dissolved and fresh elections called.
Before voting got underway at 11:55pm, Netanyahu had faced a midnight deadline for pulling together a government. His efforts ultimately fell flat after him and ally Avigdor Lieberman, and a collection of ultra-Orthodox parties failed to agree on a controversial military draft bill for Orthodox religious students.
#BREAKING: Israel going to early elections in about 100 days: Israeli parliament has dissolved itself tonight – less then 2 months after elections have been held pic.twitter.com/RgmIZ3tKNs
— Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) May 29, 2019
Law passed in second reading 74-45. Third vote now underway. That's it: Israel is heading to new elections. https://t.co/zTSvis4PVQ
— Noga Tarnopolsky (@NTarnopolsky) May 29, 2019
Lieberman accused Netanyahu of selling out to the interests of the religious right. “Were natural partners for a right-wing government,” he said of the Likud leader ahead of Wednesdays vote. “We wont be partners in a religious-law government.” Liebermans support had been crucial to Netanyahus coalition-building effort.
Liberman ahead of vote to dissolve Knesset accuses Netanyahu of selling out to the Ultra Orthodox:
“The Likud failed to form a coalition. They are responsible for Israel heading to elections again.”— Michael Shuval (@MichaelShuval) May 29, 2019
The news speakers on @NewsChannelIL right before vote on dissolving Knesset: "collective suicide on live TV."
— Louis Fishman (@Istanbultelaviv) May 2Read More – Source
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