What is the Name of the Parliament of Israel?

The parliament of Israel is called the Knesset. It is the only chamber of the parliament and holds the highest authority in the country. The Knesset has a unique history and plays a key role in shaping the government of Israel. Let's learn more about it.

Akansha Arora Published On October 28th, 2024

Israel’s Parliament serves as the central institution for making laws and shaping government policies. It plays a crucial role in the country’s democratic system, representing the people’s interests and guiding national decision-making. In this article, we will know about the name of the Parliament of Israel and some interesting about it.

What is the Name of the Parliament of Israel?

The parliament of Israel is called the Knesset. It is the only chamber of the parliament and holds the highest authority in the country. The Knesset has a unique history and plays a key role in shaping the government of Israel. Let’s learn more about it.

How was the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament Established?

The Knesset was formed on February 16, 1949, when the Constituent Assembly (which was elected in January of the same year to prepare Israel’s constitution) decided to become the First Knesset. On the same day, Chaim Weizmann was elected as the first president of Israel. Although Israel did not create a formal, written constitution, it passed important laws to establish the rules for the Knesset and other parts of the government.

How may Members are there in the Knesset?

The Knesset has 120 members. They are elected every four years through a system called proportional representation. This means that even small political parties can win seats if they get enough votes. There are no voting districts in Israel; the entire country is considered a single voting area.

How are Knesset Members Elected?

People in Israel who are 18 or older can vote. They choose from lists of candidates provided by political parties. The lists are made up of people who are 21 or older, and the parties decide the order of the names. If a party’s list receives 5 percent of the vote, for example, then 5 percent of the 120 seats (which is six seats) in the Knesset go to the people at the top of that party’s list.

Who leads the Government of Israel?

The prime minister-elect is in charge of forming the government. They select the cabinet, which is the main group responsible for making important decisions. The cabinet needs to receive approval from the Knesset to start its work. Most of the cabinet members are also Knesset members, but sometimes nonmembers can be chosen.