An electro-magnetically actuated solenoid valve is provided with two opposing valve seats between which the armature moves axially. The armature loosely holds valve closure members which cooperate with the opposing valve seats. The valve closure members are urged apart by a spring, and the combined force of this spring and of two further springs exhibits an abrupt change which stabilizes the armature in a position approximately mid-way between the two extreme positions.The end portion of the armature and of the cooperating pole piece is so configured that the path of the armature is limited to a region within which the magnetic force does not change rapidly.