Knesset

The Knesset (Hebrew: הַכְּנֶסֶת, romanized: HaKnesset [haˈkneset] ^ⓘ lit. 'gathering, assembly', Arabic: الكنيست, romanized: Al-Kinisit) is the unicameral legislature of Israel. As the supreme state body, the Knesset is sovereign and thus, with the exception of checks and balances from the courts and local governments, has total control over the entirety of the Israeli government.

The Knesset passes all laws, elects the president and prime minister (although the former is ceremonially appointed by the Prime Minister), approves the cabinet, and supervises the work of the government, among other things. In addition, the Knesset elects the state comptroller. It also has the power to waive the immunity of its members, remove the president and the state comptroller from office, dissolve the government in a constructive vote of no confidence, and to dissolve itself and call new elections. The prime minister may also dissolve the Knesset. However, until an election is completed, the Knesset maintains authority in its current composition. The Knesset meets in Givat Ram, Jerusalem.

Members of the Knesset are elected nationwide through proportional representation.