Benjamin Netanyahu leads the Knesset in a final legislative push before dissolving parliament ahead of the October 27 elections.

Benjamin Netanyahu successfully navigated a marathon legislative session to pass a series of controversial bills before the Knesset dissolved on Friday. This move marks a rare milestone, as the parliament completed a full four-year term for the first time since 1988. The final push was largely designed to satisfy Netanyahu’s coalition partners, particularly the ultra-Orthodox parties. Key legislation included a law temporarily freezing the arrest of ultra-Orthodox men evading military service and a bill weakening the authority of the attorney general. The administration also passed a media overhaul and expanded gender-segregated academic programs. While the coalition secured these victories, the opposition criticized the rapid pace of the laws, with some calling the draft-related deals "reckless." The dissolution sets the stage for the October 27 elections. Current polls show a groundswell of support for opposition parties, including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and centrist challenger Gadi Eisenkot. Despite the public's mixed reaction to the recent legislative blitz, Netanyahu remains focused on securing his political survival in the upcoming vote.

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