Knesset dissolution process begins – ready for March 17 election

Israel’s parliament launches Wednesday its first reading of the law to dissolve itself and declare a general election on March 17. This legislation process winds up next Monday. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu opted for a snap election after leading the incumbent government for just 22 months and accusing two coalition partners, Future and the Movement, of an attempted inside coup against him. Netanyahu proposes to call on the voter to return two large parties – right of center and left – instead of fragments and fringes, as the only guarantee of stable government. He is so far unchallenged as his party’s candidate for next prime minister and national favorite.