Knesset

The Knesset is the unicameral legislature of the State of Israel. Located in Jerusalem, it consists of 120 Members of the Knesset (MKs) who are elected for four-year terms through nationwide proportional representation. Parties receive seats in proportion to their vote share and must surpass a parliamentary threshold to gain representation. Members are chosen from party lists, and after elections a government is formed that must win the confidence of a parliamentary majority.

The Knesset is the primary legislative body, responsible for enacting laws, supervising the government, and approving the state budget. It operates through plenary sessions and standing committees that scrutinize proposed legislation, conduct investigations, and oversee ministries and public policy. In addition to its legislative functions, the Knesset elects the President of Israel for a seven-year term and has the power to dissolve itself, triggering new elections, in certain circumstances such as loss of governing coalition support or a no-confidence vote.

Leadership and procedure are structured around the Speaker of the Knesset, who chairs plenary sessions and manages parliamentary procedure, along with party groups that organize in government and opposition blocs. The Knesset also participates in appointments to certain state bodies and exercises oversight over the executive branch through committee work and inquiries.

The Knesset was established in the early years of the State of Israel and first convened in 1949 following the Declaration of Independence. Its sessions are held in the Knesset Building in the Givat Ram district of Jerusalem, a venue that houses the legislative chamber as well as committee rooms and offices for MKs.