Netanyahu faces political pressure as Israel parliament backs early election bill

Israel's parliament has taken a step towards possible early elections after lawmakers approved a bill to dissolve the Knesset in its first reading.

The legislation passed by a vote of 106-0 during the early hours of Tuesday, according to Reuters. The bill proposes holding elections between 8 September and 20 October if it becomes law.

However, the election date remains uncertain, as the measure must still pass two additional readings before the Knesset can be formally dissolved.

The exact date for any election would be determined during those later stages of the legislative process.

Even if approved, the proposal would only bring elections forward by a matter of weeks, as Israel is already required to hold elections by 27 October.

The bill was pushed forward by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition partners, who have been frustrated by the government's failure to pass legislation exempting ultra-Orthodox men from Israel's mandatory military service.

The dispute has become a significant source of tension within Netanyahu's governing coalition and has raised questions about the stability of the government.

It is not yet known when lawmakers will hold the second and third readings required for the legislation to become law.