The Knesset is the heart of Israel’s democratic political system and serves as its sole legislative authority. As the national parliament, it carries out a wide range of critical functions including enacting laws, overseeing the executive branch, and electing key government figures. Located in Jerusalem, the Knesset is not just a legislative body but a cornerstone of Israeli governance, bridging the diverse interests of its citizens through representative democracy.
History and Significance The Knesset was established in 1949, one year after the founding of the State of Israel. Its creation was a monumental step in institutionalizing democratic governance in the new state. The name “Knesset” is inspired by the ancient “Knesset HaGedolah” or “Great Assembly,” a council of Jewish sages during the post-Exilic period, reflecting a deep connection between modern Israeli democracy and Jewish historical tradition.
From its early days in Tel Aviv to its permanent location in Givat Ram, Jerusalem, the Knesset has evolved with Israel’s political and social landscape. Its role has expanded significantly, adapting to a complex and diverse society while maintaining its foundational principles.
Structure of the Knesset The Knesset is a unicameral body consisting of 120 members, a number chosen to reflect the Great Assembly. It represents a wide range of political ideologies, religious affiliations, and cultural identities. Members of the Knesset (MKs) are elected through a system of nationwide proportional representation, ensuring that the diverse voices of the Israeli populace are heard in the legislative process.
The building itself is a symbol of the state, housing not only the Plenum—the main legislative hall—but also numerous committee rooms, administrative offices, and spaces for public interaction.
Electoral Process Elections to the Knesset are held every four years, though the body can dissolve itself or be dissolved under special circumstances. The electoral system is based on proportional representation. Voters cast their ballots for a political party, not individual candidates. Each party presents a ranked list of candidates, and the number of seats it receives in the Knesset is proportional to the number of votes it garners nationwide.
Article 4 of the Basic Law: The Knesset states that elections must be general, national, direct, equal, secret, and proportional. The system aims to ensure a high level of inclusivity and fairness, although it often results in a fragmented parliament requiring coalition governments.
Dissolution of the Knesset The Knesset can dissolve before the end of its four-year term under several circumstances. These include the failure to pass a national budget within three months of the fiscal year’s start, or a recommendation by the Prime Minister that gains the President’s approval due to governmental dysfunction.
When dissolved, a law is passed to determine the date of the next election. This mechanism ensures political continuity while offering flexibility in moments of crisis or gridlock.
Functions of the Knesset
Legislative Function The Knesset’s primary role is to pass legislation. Bills can originate from the government (government bills), individual MKs (private bills), or Knesset committees. The legislative process involves several readings and committee reviews. First, a bill is introduced and debated in the Plenum. It then moves to the relevant committee for detailed examination and possible amendments. Finally, it returns to the Plenum for further readings and a final vote.
Most laws are passed by a simple majority, though basic laws or amendments to fundamental statutes may require a special majority.
Preparation of a Constitution Although Israel does not have a formal, unified constitution, the Knesset plays a central role in the creation and amendment of Basic Laws, which collectively serve as the country’s constitutional framework. The Knesset continues to deliberate on proposals for a complete constitution, making it a constituent as well as a legislative body.
Supervision Over the Government The Knesset is responsible for overseeing the executive branch. This oversight function is conducted through question sessions, committee hearings, and investigative reports. MKs are empowered to question ministers, request documents, and initiate debates on government policy.
Committees play a vital role in this process. They scrutinize the activities of ministries, investigate national issues, and ensure that government actions are aligned with the law and public interest.
Election of Office-Holders The Knesset also elects key public officials, including the President of the State and the State Comptroller. These elections are conducted by secret ballot and are often influenced by coalition dynamics and party politics. The President serves largely ceremonial functions, while the Comptroller oversees public spending and government accountability.
Quasi-Judicial Functions In certain circumstances, the Knesset exercises quasi-judicial powers. These include decisions on lifting the parliamentary immunity of MKs and disciplinary actions for breaches of conduct. Such functions are overseen by the House Committee and ratified by the Plenum.
Members of the Knesset (MKs)
Election and Affiliation MKs are elected via party lists and serve as representatives of their political factions. After elections, parties form parliamentary groups or “factions,” which may merge or split during a Knesset term. These factions are categorized into coalition (supporting the government) and opposition (challenging the government).
Coalition members are not bound to vote in unison and may dissent, although sustained opposition from within may threaten government stability.
Ethical Guidelines and Responsibilities MKs are bound by a code of ethics and must abide by rules set forth by the Knesset Speaker. A 1995 amendment prohibits MKs from engaging in external business activities. A 2005 amendment enables the Attorney General to indict MKs without first lifting their parliamentary immunity, although MKs can appeal to the House Committee to maintain their immunity. The final decision rests with the Plenum.
Oath of Office During the first sitting after elections, MKs are sworn in after the most senior member pledges allegiance to the State. Each member then recites: “I pledge allegiance to the State of Israel and to faithfully fulfill my mission in the Knesset.”
The Speaker of the Knesset One of the first acts of a new Knesset is to elect a Speaker from among its members. The Speaker serves for the duration of the Knesset’s term and is responsible for managing its activities and representing it externally. Up to eight deputy speakers are elected shortly after.
Together, they form the Presidium, which sets the legislative agenda, approves questions and motions, and presides over Plenum sessions. The Speaker has significant authority, including commanding the Knesset Guard and acting as President of the State when the President is abroad.
Parliamentary Procedure
Work of the Plenum The Plenum is the full assembly of the Knesset and is where primary legislative debates and voting take place. The Speaker or one of the deputies presides over sessions, manages discussions, and declares vote outcomes. It is the arena where national policies are debated and decided.
Knesset Committees Committees are the backbone of legislative and oversight activities. There are standing committees (e.g., Finance, Foreign Affairs and Defense), temporary committees, and special investigative committees. These bodies examine bills, monitor ministries, and review policy implementation in detail.
Administrative Structure
Director General The Director General oversees the administrative and logistical operations of the Knesset. This includes managing the building, supervising staff, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. This role was separated from that of the Secretary General in 2006 to improve operational efficiency.
Secretary General The Secretary General is appointed by the Speaker and manages parliamentary operations. This includes assisting during Plenum sessions, advising on procedural matters, managing speaker lists, and acting as a liaison between the Knesset and the Government. The Secretary General also ensures fair treatment across parliamentary groups and tracks progress on international treaties.
Knesset Rules of Procedure The Rules of Procedure govern all aspects of Knesset operations. These rules are occasionally updated, subject to approval by both the House Committee and the Plenum. Precedents and interpretive decisions also influence parliamentary conduct, guided by the Interpretations Committee.
Inter-Parliamentary Relations The Knesset maintains active relations with legislatures worldwide. It is a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and participates in sessions of the European Parliament and other international forums. Over 80 inter-parliamentary friendship groups foster diplomatic engagement and the exchange of legislative expertise.
Conclusion The Knesset stands at the center of Israeli democracy, embodying both its challenges and aspirations. With its wide-ranging powers—from legislating and supervising government actions to electing high officials and engaging with global parliaments—it serves as a dynamic arena for public debate, governance, and national direction. Its evolution reflects Israel’s growing complexity and its commitment to democratic principles.
The Knesset
FAQs
How are members of the Knesset elected? Members are elected through a proportional representation system based on party lists. Voters choose a party, and seats are allocated according to the percentage of votes each party receives.
What happens if the Knesset fails to pass a state budget? If a budget is not passed within three months of the fiscal year’s start, the Knesset is automatically dissolved, and new elections are held.
What is the difference between the Director General and the Secretary General? The Director General handles administrative and logistic matters, while the Secretary General focuses on parliamentary functions and government liaison.
Can Knesset members hold other jobs? No. Since 1995, MKs are prohibited from engaging in external business or occupations to prevent conflicts of interest.
Does Israel have a written constitution? Not a complete one. Israel relies on a series of Basic Laws that function as a de facto constitution. The Knesset is responsible for their creation and amendment.
