Israel sets general elections for October 27

Israel is set to hold its legislative elections on October 27, 2026, the legally mandated deadline, as the current parliament concludes its full four-year term on July 17. This schedule is notable as it represents the first time in nearly four decades that elections will occur on the set date, and the first time in over half a century that a government will complete its entire mandate.

Knesset Speaker Ofir Katz announced the date during a debate on party financing, confirming that the electoral recess would begin on July 17. According to the Knesset's legal advisor, Sagit Afik, the parliament will not dissolve, and no specific dissolution law will be needed, as the elections align with existing legislation.

This confirmation comes after the opposition's unsuccessful bid in June to dissolve the Knesset and trigger early elections. The proposal was defeated by a narrow margin, with 61 votes against 53. The outcome was influenced by the withdrawal of support from ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, coalition partners of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They reportedly reached an agreement with the government regarding the contentious law on military service for ultra-Orthodox men.

The Supreme Court's ruling in June 2024 mandated the army to begin conscripting ultra-Orthodox men after a temporary exemption expired. This ruling prompted the government to pursue legislation that would maintain many of these exemptions while still incorporating some members of the community into military service. The issue of ultra-Orthodox military conscription has become a significant political flashpoint, particularly amid the ongoing war in Gaza, which has heightened the military's personnel needs and led to extended mandatory service and reservist call-ups.

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the Knesset will complete its full term and will not be dissolved, so it will not be necessary to pass a dissolution law, as the elections will be held on the date provided for by Israeli legislation.