25th Knesset (2022–)
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| 25th Knesset (2022–) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Knesset |
| Number | 25th |
| Body | Knesset |
| Meeting place | Knesset building, Givat Ram, Jerusalem |
| Election | 2022 legislative election |
| Term start | 2022 |
| Membership1 | 120 |
| Control | Broadly fragmented coalition and opposition |
25th Knesset (2022–) is the parliamentary term of the Knesset elected in the 2022 Israeli legislative election. Convened in late 2022, it followed successive electoral cycles that included the 2019 elections, the 2020 election, and the 2021 election. The parliament sits at the Knesset complex in Givat Ram, Jerusalem, and its composition and actions shaped policy debates involving figures such as Benjamin Netanyahu, Yair Lapid, Benny Gantz, Avigdor Lieberman, and Gideon Sa'ar.
Background and Formation
The road to the 25th Knesset was influenced by the collapse of the Netanyahu government in 2022 and the end of the broad coalition that included parties like Yesh Atid, Blue and White, and the National Unity list. The 2022 Israeli legislative election produced a fragmented mandate, echoing patterns from the political crisis that spurred repeated ballots. Key campaign themes referenced events such as the October 7 chronology and policy disputes over the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, security on the Gaza Strip, judicial reform debates that traced earlier roots to proposals by figures linked to Likud and allies, and socioeconomic concerns that parties like Shas, United Torah Judaism, and Religious Zionist Party mobilized around.
Composition and Party Representation
The 25th Knesset comprises 120 members from a spectrum ranging across Likud, Yesh Atid, Religious Zionist Party, Shas, United Torah Judaism, National Unity, Hadash–Ta'al, Balad, Ra'am, Labor, and smaller lists formed through electoral alliances such as Zionist Spirit. Prominent MKs include Benjamin Netanyahu, Benny Gantz, Ayelet Shaked, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Mansour Abbas, Miki Zohar, and Merav Michaeli. Parliamentary distribution reflected regional campaigning in areas like Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beersheba, Eilat, and Arad, and demographic mobilization among sectors represented by Haredi Judaism, Religious Zionism, and Arab-majority constituencies in the West Bank environs. Factional shifts, resignations under the Norwegian Law, and party realignments produced midterm changes involving MKs such as Gideon Sa'ar and Avraham (Avi) Dichter.
Leadership and Committee Structure
The 25th Knesset elected a Speaker and deputy speakers drawn from major lists, with leadership contests involving figures like Amir Ohana, Yuli-Yoel Edelstein, and other senior members. Standing committees mirror institutional precedents: the Finance Committee, Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, Internal Affairs and Environment Committee, and the Economic Affairs Committee are chaired by MKs negotiated between coalition and opposition blocs. Committee roles engaged subject-matter experts and former ministers including Moshe Ya'alon, Yair Lapid, and Ayelet Shaked, and coordinated oversight of ministries such as the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Finance.
Legislative Activity and Major Acts
Legislative output addressed security measures related to the Gaza Strip, amendments touching the Israel Defense Forces, and high-profile bills on the judiciary and civil service rooted in debates tied to Basic Laws of Israel and proposals promoted by Likud and allied lists. Economic legislation targeted tax policy overseen by the Ministry of Finance and social legislation affected by inputs from Shas and United Torah Judaism. The Knesset considered emergency measures and temporary regulations in response to crises involving actors like Hamas, Hezbollah, and cross-border incidents with Lebanon. Also advanced were bills concerning municipal governance in Jerusalem, educational policy initiatives associated with Yad Vashem stakeholders, and regulatory changes impacting the Bank of Israel and telecommunications overseen by the Ministry of Communications.
Key Events and Political Developments
Major developments included government formation negotiations, coalition agreements involving smaller parties such as Ra'am and Shas, high-profile resignations and indictments tied to ongoing legal proceedings against figures like Benjamin Netanyahu in cases connected to the State Attorney and the Supreme Court of Israel. National security events, including operations in the Gaza Strip and incidents near the Blue Line with Lebanon, shaped plenary debates. International reactions came from actors like the United States Department of State, European Union, and regional interlocutors such as Egypt and Jordan, affecting foreign policy deliberations.
Controversies and Legal Challenges
Contentious measures spurred judicial review by the Supreme Court of Israel and legal challenges filed by civil society groups including Association for Civil Rights in Israel and other NGOs. Disputes over proposed judicial reforms generated protests involving labor unions and organizations linked to Tel Aviv University and major media outlets. Allegations of ethics breaches, conflict-of-interest claims, and corruption probes implicated MPs and ministers, intersecting with investigations by the Israel Police and prosecutions overseen by the State Attorney. Litigation concerning Knesset procedures and the scope of parliamentary immunity reached judicial panels and provoked constitutional debates tied to the Basic Laws of Israel.