By a vote of 66 to 44, with one abstention, the Knesset plenum early Tuesday morning passed in its first reading a proposal to disperse the 21st Knesset – about a month after it was sworn in - and hold elections for the 22nd Knesset on Tuesday, September 17.

Prior to the vote, the bill's author MK Miki Zohar (Likud) said "Anyone who votes against the dissolution of the Knesset will ensure the creation of a left-wing government headed by [Blue and White Chairman MK] Benny Gantz. Those who vote for dissolution will, on the contrary, ensure the continuation of the rule of the Right."

"It is with great sadness and regret that I ask you to support the dissolution of the Knesset," he told the plenum, adding that the special committee he chairs will convene Tuesday at 11 am to prepare the bill for its second and third readings.

Following MK Zohar's remarks, the debate turned heated, as MK Zohar and members of Blue and White exchanged accusations.