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.

Antisemitism surges worldwide, yet economic factors still dominate immigration decisions to Israel

With antisemitism surging worldwide, Israeli officials believe more Jews will opt to make aliyah; but the path isn’t as easy as they think

FEBRUARY 10, 2026|ByRACHEL FINK

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar speaks during a stakeout before attending a Security Council meeting at UN headquarters in New York City, U.S., August 5, 2025.

Premium

MK's Moshe Gafni and Yitzchak Goldknopf seen during a vote on the state budget at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, January 28, 2026.

Knesset

Antisemitism surges worldwide, yet economic factors still dominate immigration decisions to Israel

Knesset votes to split Arrangements Bill amid haredi parties' threats over state budget

Ben-Gvir blocks promotion of senior police investigations officer, citing ‘grave misconduct'

A-G accuses Ben-Gvir of politically blocking promotion of senior police investigator

Knesset advances bill granting October 7 victims unlimited mental health treatment

Petitioners ask High Court to freeze anti-UNRWA law as Jerusalem facilities face demolitions

A-G Baharav-Miara criticizes Army Radio's closure, warns of impact on Israel's press freedom

State budget offers 'no good news,' will likely pass Knesset vote, says MK Beliak - interview

Israel Katz publishes IDF chief's letter warning of manpower shortage amid haredi draft debate

Government submits 2026 budget to Knesset, Smotrich vows passage despite rifts

Netanyahu: There won't be Turkish or Qatari soldiers in Gaza, amid 'dispute’ with US

Ben-Gvir to conduct security assessment after death of toddlers at Jerusalem kindergarten

Bereaved families protest Knesset debate on political probe into Oct. 7 failings

October 7 survivor testifies she was raped in 2011, says courts 'hand out gag orders like candy'