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.

Arab Hadash-Ta’al, Ra’am parties sign agreement to reduce risk of lost votes

The move follows Ra’am, Hadash-Ta’al, and Balad running separately in the previous election and not signing an agreement on surplus votes

SEPTEMBER 13, 2026|ByYOAV ETIEL

Yousef Jabareen attends Hadash–Ta'al faction meeting, at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 6, 2026.

PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG has made diplomacy, strengthening Jewish peoplehood, and healing divisions within Israeli society his three central priorities for the remaining two years of his term. Here, the president attends the Outstanding Officers Ceremony of the Israel Police on Sunday.

As his presidency enters its final stretch, Isaac Herzog lays out his three priorities for Israel

PRESIDENTIAL AFFAIRS: From the Abraham Accords to Israeli social divides, Herzog says diplomacy and unity will define the remainder of his presidency.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2026|ByGREER FAY CASHMAN

Women make up roughly a quarter of Israel’s Knesset, but their representation thins considerably at the highest levels of political power.

PremiumPremium

Where are all the women? Why Israel still struggles to put women at the top of politics

As Israel heads to elections, women remain present in politics but largely absent from its highest ranks

SEPTEMBER 11, 2026|ByCHANI KAPLAN

Israeli citizens have fewer opportunities to vote, in fewer democratic arenas, than citizens of any other developed democracy.

PremiumPremium

Knesset

Arab Hadash-Ta’al, Ra’am parties sign agreement to reduce risk of lost votes

As his presidency enters its final stretch, Isaac Herzog lays out his three priorities for Israel

Where are all the women? Why Israel still struggles to put women at the top of politics

Israeli voters have strikingly little say - a 'semi-open ballot' reform can help - opinion

Eight ministers, lawmakers wanted to leave Netanyahu's Likud for Otzma Yehudit, Ben-Gvir reveals

The best person for the role - comment

A-G warns haredi schools face funding cuts over core curriculum gaps

MK Elazar Stern leaves Yesh Atid party, announces he will resign from Knesset

As he pushes for ultra-Orthodox draft, Moti Leitner aims to put the Haredi Public on a new path

The secret Smotrich kept from his wife: Israel was going to war with Iran - interview

Likud's Nir Barkat plotted to oust PM Netanyahu after October 7, journalist Amit Segal says

Dobronsky carries experience from abroad Israel can use, but only if he comes home - editorial

High Court criticizes Knesset retreat on polling stations in nursing homes

Israel elections 2026: What does Tropper and Hendel's Zionist Home–The Reservists stand for?