Abstract: In an electromagnetic operating arrangement for actuating the intake and exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine wherein a valve operating member is movably supported in axial alignment with a valve stem and engaged by an operating member spring which biases the valve operating member into engagement with the valve stem, the valve operating member has an armature disc movably supported thereon but held in engagement with a stop on the valve operating member by a spring arrangement which exerts a spring force smaller than the spring force exerted by the valve operating member spring but greater than the resultant of the valve closing and the valve operating springs such that the valve operating member is always in force-transmitting contact with the valve.