In an electromagnetic operating mechanism for a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine wherein two control magnets are arranged in spaced relationship above the valve and an armature is axially movably disposed between the control magnets and and actuator rod extends from the armature through one of the control magnets to engage the valve, two compression springs are arranged outside the control magnets in opposition to one another, one engaging the valve so as to bias it toward a valve closing position and the other engaging the actuator rod so as to bias it into a valve opening direction and into engagement with the valve.