Israel votes to dissolve parliament

Israeli lawmakers on October 16 voted to dissolve parliament and hold early elections on January 22, 2013.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - Photo: Bloomberg

According to Xinhua, 100 out of 120 members of Israel's Knesset legislature unanimously approved the bill with no votes against (according to regulations, the bill can only be passed if it receives at least 61 votes in favor).

The final vote came after nearly 12 hours of discussion by lawmakers, after the Knesset convened its first session on October 15 after a nearly three-month hiatus.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres, Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin and opposition leader MK Shaul Mofaz attended and spoke. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's side highlighted the government's achievements, but was harshly criticized by the opposition leader.

Last week, Mr Netanyahu announced he wanted early elections after failing to persuade his coalition to pass the 2013 budget.

According to political analysts, Mr. Netanyahu still receives high support rates in public opinion polls after announcing a security program, which includes the possibility of attacking Iran's nuclear facilities.

According to Tuoi Tre - DT