The 25th Knesset voted early Friday to dissolve itself, with support from both coalition and opposition and no dissenting votes. The vote marks the first time the Knesset has completed a full term since 1988, making Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the first prime minister since then to serve a full term. Netanyahu said 'This is only the beginning' as he left the Knesset building.
The 25th Knesset voted unanimously early Friday morning to dissolve itself, completing a full term for the first time since 1988. The vote, which took place in the early hours of Friday, saw support from both coalition and opposition with no dissenting votes, clearing the way for the October 27 elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, departing the Knesset building, told reporters: 'This is only the beginning.' Netanyahu becomes the first prime minister since 1988 to serve a full term.
On Thursday evening (Jul 16, 20:17 Jerusalem), The Zioneer reported that the Knesset had concluded its final legislative day and set elections for October 27. Earlier reports that evening, citing Channel 14, initially described the milestone as 'the first time in 40 years,' but by the time of the dissolution vote, the figure was revised to 38 years (since 1988). The Zioneer's coverage tracked the evolution from a single source to broader consensus across Israeli media as the night progressed.
As The Zioneer reported on July 12, Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz said the Knesset would serve its full term, a milestone not achieved in over 40 years. On July 13, Opposition leader Yair Lapid said the opposition's greatest achievement was serving its full term, the first time in 53 years. These statements framed the political context ahead of the historic vote.
The election campaign now begins, with the vote set for October 27. The political outcome remains uncertain, and The Zioneer will continue to monitor developments.
7 developments
- StrongCoalition Chair Katz: Knesset will serve full term, first time in 40 years
- StrongNetanyahu dispatches Coalition Chair Katz to craft agreed legislative package with coalition leaders
- DevelopingCoalition whip: Knesset majority holds even if all Arab MKs vote no
- DevelopingGantz urges coalition members: 'Go to the PM, tell him enough'
Source and signal
- Internal intake