Knesset
The Knesset is the Israeli national legislature.
Contents
Composition
The Knesset has 120 members (abbreviated MKs). Members are elected by proportional representation and national party lists; any party winning at least 3.25% of the vote is guaranteed representation.
It is chaired by a speaker, elected from the members.
The prime minister is also elected from the members. The rest of the government is appointed by the PM directly, and not actually required to be members of the Knesset. Each new government requires only a vote of confidence from the legislature, although subsequent appointments do require votes of approval.
The president is also elected by the Knesset, for a 7 year term, though they are entirely ceremonial.
Members form committees to draft legislation. There are both permanent committees (e.g. the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee) as well as special committees created as needed. There are also inquiry committees that perform oversight and supervision.
Most bills are introduced by the government and the committees. A backbench member can also introduce a private bill, but it must be accepted by the presidium (composed of the speaker and deputy speakers) and pass a preliminary reading. Furthermore, it is then referred to a committee, wherein the bill can still be rejected.