JERUSALEM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Israeli lawmakers gave preliminary approval on Wednesday to a bill to dissolve parliament, a move that could bring the next election forward by several weeks.

The bill, which still requires three full readings, passed with 110 votes in favor in the 120-member parliament. There were no votes against.

Recent polls predict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would lose the election. Surveys show his current coalition of right-wing parties would win about 52 seats, nine short of the majority needed to form the next government. ■