The Knesset voted Monday on a series of bills promoting the dissolution of the House, ahead of September's general elections .
The vote on the main bill, presented by the Likud faction, was carried through its first reading 109-to-one. The bill is expected to be presented for its second and third reading later tonight, effectively bringing the 18th Knesset's term to its end.
Related stories:
Parties agree on September 4 elections
PM: Political blackmail harms security, economy
Ministers approve early elections bill
The vote was preceded by a lengthy filibuster. Other proposals for the dissolution of the Knesset, presented by Knesset members Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List-Ta'al) Labor Chairwoman Shelly Yachimovich ,Uri Ariel (National Union ),Hadash Chairman Mohammad Barakeh and Dalia Itzik (Kadima) were also carried by a majority vote.
- PM Netanyahu at the plenum (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan presented the House with the government's bill: "It is with great regret, sorrow even, that I hereby present the Knesset with the government's motion of dissolution," he said.
The 18th Knesset noted significant achievements, he added, including bolstering Israel 'seconomy, security and standing vis-à-vis the global recession.
The bill was presented to the plenum following a favorable vote by the Ministerial Committee on Legislation.
Earlier Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toldthe Likud faction that "I would have preferred to complete the government's term, but a short elections campaign seems like the right thing to do."
Netanyahu further thanked his ministers "for the excellent work the government has done… Our work and vision played a big part in our political stability and success… I hope the voters trust us again so we can create more stability in the face of the great challenges that lie ahead."