Knesset

The Knesset is the legislative branch of the Israeli government. Its name, whose Hebrew translation means literally 'the gathering' or 'the assembly, is a derivative of the ancient Great Assembly,' the gathering of 120 sages that governed the Jewish people between the end of the Biblical prophets until 200 B.C. The Knesset is the national legislature of the State of Israel and passes all of the country's laws, in addition to electing the president, approving the cabinet and supervising governmental work. The Knesset functions as the unicameral national legislature in Israel in a parliamentary manner, with elections forming members of Knesset (MKs) held at least every fourth year. Knesset history The Knesset first convened on February 14th, 1949, taking over for transitional governments that had existed since Israel declared independence on May 14th, 1948, and met in the Jewish Agency building in Jerusalem. Between March and December of that year the legislature was moved to Tel Aviv, the only period the Knesset was not seated in Jerusalem. Following a four-month return to the Jewish Agency building, the Knesset moved to King George Street in the city center, where it remained until the current complex was opened in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Givat Ram, August 31st, 1966. The Knesset complex was funded by British Liberal politician James de Rothschild and has underwent two major additions, completed in 1992 and 2007. Knesset functions The Knesset sets the laws of the State of Israel and oversees governmental works via a series of 12 permanent committees, which include ones focused on foreign affairs and defense, education and culture, economics and the status of women, among others. Special committees can also be formed when necessity arises, such as the central elections committee and the public petitions committee, among others. The Knesset, as a parliamentary system, is presided over by the Speaker of Knesset and passes laws based off a simple majority of the 120-member voting bloc. Israel's prime minister, as head of the ruling party, is determined by the party best able to form a coalition comprised of at the minimum a simple majority. Knesset seats are allocated based on proportional representation using the D'Hondt method and parties are admitted to Knesset when passing an election threshold of 3.25 percent. Members of Knesset have the ability to raise a vote of no confidence in the government or in government ministers, a move that was only once successful in Knesset's history. Likewise, in order for a prime minister to be named, the candidate must receive a vote of confidence on the Knesset floor before taking office. Knesset assemblies There have been 20 assemblies of Knesset in Israel's history, each referred to by its election number. The First Knesset, under the auspices of prime minister David Ben-Gurion, was in session from 1949 until 1951. Elections occurred by and large every fourth year, unless elections were called early. However, no Knesset term lasted fewer than three years, except for the 19th Knesset, which lasted from 2013 until 2015.
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Almog Cohen rescinds resignation from gov’t as Netanyahu advances Negev airport

Cohen resigned less than 48 hours ago, citing the lack of progress in advancing the establishment of a civilian airport in the Negev.

By WALLA!
01/07/2025

After Eisenkot, Matan Kahana also announces exit from Gantz's party

Kahana's exit follows Gadi Eisenkot's Monday announcement that he would be leaving National Unity and resigning from the Knesset.

  Hadash-Ta'al leader Ayman Odeh attends a protest in his support, outside the Knesset in Jerusalem,

Knesset committee votes to impeach Israeli Arab lawmaker Ayman Odeh

The impeachment vote will now head to the Knesset plenum, where it must receive 90 votes in order to pass. If it passes, Odeh will still have the right to appeal the decision.

Almog Cohen resigns from gov’t over Nevatim airport law

After resigning, Cohen accused the “deep state” (professional government echelon) of pushing for the airport to be built in the Jezreel Valley instead. 

MK Ayman Odeh seen at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on January 21, 2025

'Silencing Arabs': Arab factions slam Zionist opposition's part in Ayman Odeh impeachment

The two Israeli-Arab parties in the Knesset announced that they would boycott a meeting between the heads of their opposition parties due to some members in support for impeaching MK Ayman Odeh.

Bill proposal to privatize Kan passed ministerial committee

According to the bill, Kan will no longer be allowed to broadcast "news and current events" on television or radio.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet seen at the Knesset plenum, June 11, 2025

‘A ceasefire is not a goal, it’s a tool’: Israeli lawmakers cautiously weigh cost of victory

While the ceasefire declared by US President Donald Trump has held for over 48 hours, its implications remain a matter of dispute.

By GABRIEL COLODRO/THE MEDIA LINE
27/06/2025

Almost half of young Americans support Hamas over Israel, Harvard poll reveals

A Knesset report found that while overall support for Israel remained high at 75%, more young people remained split on support for Israel.

Knesset

Knesset sanctions two MKs for accusing IDF of war crimes

The most severe sanction was issued against Hadash-Ta’al chairman MK Ayman Odeh, who is already facing impeachment in a separate procedure.

Olim left in dark as missile warnings, compensation guidelines remain Hebrew-only

The share of immigrants living in areas hit by recent missile barrages “is very high,” yet key safety and compensation information has not been linguistically accessible to all immigrant communities.

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