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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Knesset committees to continue preparing series of controversial bills

The Knesset is set to advance a series of controversial bills this week.

Some 26 MKs propose bill aimed at preventing Palestinian state

The letter was initiated by leaders of the Knesset Land of Israel Caucus, Yuli Edelstein and MK Limor Son Harmelech.

  The Knesset Economic Committee meets at the Knesset in Jerusalem, December 18, 2024.

Karhi presents revamped program for partial Kan privatization

Kan's news branch will be shut down, its main news radio station will be privatized, and its budget will cut to NIS 500 million.

European Broadcasting chairman: KAN privatization will harm country’s democratic foundations

“Public service media play an indispensable role in fostering societies," EBU chairman, Noel Curran, wrote.

Israel's democracy is under threat, a majority of Israelis say

This belief differs greatly across the political spectrum, with 94% of the Left, 71% of the Center, and just 38% of the Right expressing this opinion.

17/12/2024

Bill allowing Jewish settlement in Gaza put to Knesset, coalition MKs plan to 'right injustice'

Ahead of Thursday's visit, Sukkot said "the renewal of settlement in Gaza is above all a matter of righting historical injustice."

I am a secular Israeli, do not deny my existence

"I think there is no such thing as a secular person who lives in our country," MK Simcha Rothman said in an interview on Daniel Dushi’s podcast.

Northern residents distraught as project coordinator resigns over reduced role

“With Minister Elkin’s entry into the position, my role and responsibilities were significantly altered," Marom's resignation letter stated.

By TAL SHALEV , YAKI ADAMKER , ELI ASHKENAZI , YOAV ETIEL
15/12/2024

Grapevine December 13, 2024: A boy at last

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

Court orders Levin to hold vote for permanent chief justice by January 16

High Court to hear petition over justice minister ignoring directive to appoint chief justice.

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