The Knesset is set to dissolve on July 17, putting Israel on course for national elections likely to be held on October 27 — the latest date permitted by law.

While no official decision has been announced, Knesset Legal Adviser Sagit Afik last week recommended dissolving parliament on July 17, and both Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Coalition Whip Ofir Katz have indicated that this is the expected timetable.

Although October 20 remains a possible election date, the statutory length of the campaign period, the High Holidays and the proximity of the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attack have increasingly narrowed the practical options to late October, with the 27th emerging as the likeliest date.

A spokesperson for Ohana confirmed to The Times of Israel that, under the current legal timetable, “the elections will be held on October 27. According to the legal situation, as a result, the Knesset must dissolve on July 17.”

Hebrew media also reported that Ohana and Katz relayed the same timetable to coalition lawmakers.

The timing also aligns with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political interests. The premier is not believed to favor bringing the elections forward. Since reaching an agreement with the ultra-Orthodox parties to stabilize his coalition, he has focused on advancing as much legislation as possible before the Knesset dissolves, when those efforts are likely to be frozen or require opposition consent.

Opposition leaders have argued that the premier also has an electoral incentive to delay the vote as, based on current polling, he will be unable to form a coalition.

According to longstanding legal practice, the Knesset must dissolve at least 90 days and no more than 150 days before an election in order to allow for the statutory campaign period.

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© The Times of Israel