19th Knesset (2013–2015)
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| 19th Knesset (2013–2015) | |
|---|---|
| Name | 19th Knesset |
| Native name | כנסת התשע־עשרה |
| Country | Israel |
| Election | 2013 Israeli legislative election |
| Term start | 2013 |
| Term end | 2015 |
| Previous | 18th Knesset |
| Next | 20th Knesset |
19th Knesset (2013–2015) was the national legislature seated after the 2013 Israeli legislative election and in office during the second half of the first decade of the 21st century's second decade. It operated under the premiership of Benjamin Netanyahu and featured major participation by parties such as Likud, Yesh Atid, The Jewish Home, Labor Party and Yisrael Beiteinu. The term addressed issues relating to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Iran–Israel relations, and domestic debates involving Haredi Judaism representation, social-economic reforms, and judicial appointments.
Background and Election
The 2013 Israeli legislative election produced a fragmented outcome after campaigns by leaders including Benjamin Netanyahu, Yair Lapid, Naftali Bennett, Shelly Yachimovich, and Avigdor Lieberman. Preceding this vote were political developments such as the collapse of the 32nd government of Israel coalition and public responses to the 2011 Israeli social justice protests. International factors influencing campaigns included negotiations over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action milieu and tensions with the Syrian Civil War spillover. Voter turnout followed patterns established since the 1992 Israeli electoral reform era, with major media outlets like Haaretz, The Jerusalem Post, and Ynet providing election coverage.
Composition and Party Makeup
The Knesset comprised 120 members drawn from party lists including Likud, Yesh Atid, Joint List, Yisrael Beiteinu, The Jewish Home, Shas, United Torah Judaism, Hatnua, and Labor Party. Prominent MKs included Tzipi Livni, Avi Dichter, Moshe Yaalon, Amir Peretz, and Ayman Odeh. The presence of the Arab–Jewish political coalition under the Joint List brought figures from Hadash, Balad, Ra'am, and Ta'al into parliamentary debates. Factional alignment influenced leadership of committees such as the Finance Committee, Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee.
Government Formation and Coalitions
Following the election, coalition negotiations involved actors including Benjamin Netanyahu, Yair Lapid, Avigdor Lieberman, Naftali Bennett, and Avi Dichter. The resulting government was a broad coalition incorporating Likud, Yesh Atid, The Jewish Home, and Hatnua, reflecting accords over portfolios like Finance Ministry, Defense Ministry, and Justice Ministry. Disputes over conscription exemptions for Haredi Judaism communities and budget issues required mediation by figures such as Yair Lapid and Moshe Ya'alon. Opposition blocs coalesced around leaders like Isaac Herzog and parties including Labor Party and Joint List.
Legislative Activity and Major Decisions
The Knesset deliberated and passed legislation on matters intersecting with policies tied to Israel Defence Forces, fiscal reforms advanced by Yair Lapid as Finance Minister, and social legislation reflecting the aftermath of the 2011 Israeli social justice protests. Major decisions included budget agreements affecting the National Insurance Institute (Israel), debates on amendments to the Basic Laws of Israel concerning judicial review, and security resolutions responding to hostilities involving Hamas, Hezbollah, and cross-border incidents with Syria. Committees hosted testimonies from officials linked to Mossad, Shin Bet, and the Israel Police. The Knesset also addressed high-profile legal proceedings such as appointments affected by the Supreme Court of Israel and the role of the Attorney General of Israel.
Membership Changes and Replacements
During the term, several MKs resigned, were replaced, or changed factional affiliation, invoking provisions of party list succession and laws governing minister-MK dual roles. Notable replacements involved members stepping down following appointments to ministerial posts, and entries of next-in-line figures from lists led by Naftali Bennett, Tzipi Livni, and Amir Peretz. The Norwegian Law (Israel) discussions and precedents influenced debates about resignations and temporary replacements. Some MKs left to form new factions, affecting committee assignments and voting margins in narrow legislative contests.
Controversies and Scandals
The term was marked by controversies involving allegations of corruption, public disputes over appointments, and confrontations in committee hearings featuring figures such as Avigdor Lieberman and Eli Yishai. Debates over exemptions for Haredi Judaism yeshiva students provoked protests and legal challenges brought before the Supreme Court of Israel. Security-related leaks prompted investigations involving the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), Mossad, and the Military Intelligence Directorate. Media scrutiny by outlets including Haaretz, The Times of Israel, and The Jerusalem Post amplified public attention to alleged improprieties and parliamentary conduct disputes.