Israeli MPs back parliament dissolution bill in first reading

Israeli lawmakers voted Tuesday to back a bill, in its first reading, to dissolve parliament and pave the way for likely early elections. A total of 106 of the Knesset's 120 members backed the legislation, submitted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition, according to a parliamentary statement.

The remaining lawmakers did not attend the vote, which followed a debate in the assembly. The bill, which must pass two further readings before becoming law, stipulates that elections be held between September 8 and October 20. Israel is currently due to hold elections by October 27, when the current legislative term ends.