Knesset

First in Knesset history:

Hanukkah candles lit on Knesset floor

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana lit the menorah following the voting session and was joined by the Prime Minister, ministers, and MKs.

In second and third readings

Knesset approves defense budget increase for 2024

Knesset also approves the extension of the state of emergency for another year, until December 2025, in line with the government's request.

Interceptor fragment found outside Knesset building

Routine searches reveal two interceptor fragments outside Knesset building; no damage caused.

In Depth:

What is a 'Declaration of State Land'?

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently declared a large amount of land in Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley to be 'state land'. How does such a process work, and what does this mean for Israel?

In first reading

Watered down 'Rabbis Law' approved by the Knesset

Knesset approves by a majority of 52 to 38 a watered version of the "Rabbis Law" which seeks to make changes in the budgeting of the religious councils.

Palestinian Arabs livid over terrorist deportations law

Senior PLO official Rawhi Fattouh says the new law is part of "the policy of ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian presence in the territories of 1948".

Approved in the Knesset

Israel Katz as Defense Minister, Gideon Sa'ar as Foreign Minister

Knesset approves new appointments in the government. 58 Knesset members support the move, with no opponents or abstentions. Opposition skips the vote.

In second and third readings

Law allowing deportations of families of terrorists approved

The law permits the Minister of the Interior to order the deportation of a family member of a terrorist, if it is proven that he knew in advance of his relative's intention to commit an act of terrorism and did not make efforts to prevent the act.

Irish PM to EU:

'Review the trade relations with Israel'

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris urges European Union to "review its trade relations" with Israel, following the laws passed in the Knesset to ban the activities of UNRWA.

UNRWA chief:

'Israel's new laws will lead to more deaths in Gaza'

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini denounces laws passed in the Knesset banning the agency's work in Israel, claims Israel has not provided proof of its claims that UNRWA workers aided Hamas attack.

UN chief:

'Anti-UNRWA legislation could have devastating consequences'

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denounces laws approved in the Knesset banning the operations of UNRWA: There is no alternative to UNRWA.

'Totally wrong'

British Foreign Secretary criticizes Israel's anti-UNRWA laws

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy criticizes bills passed by the Knesset banning the activities of UNRWA: The UK has been clear that Israel must ensure UNRWA can deliver aid at the speed and scale needed.

UNRWA chief:

'Israeli laws are part of a campaign to discredit UNRWA'

Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, denounces Knesset approval of legislation barring UNRWA from operating in Israel: These bills increase the suffering of the Palestinians and are nothing less than collective punishment.

Knesset passes law barring UNRWA from operating in Israel

92 out pf 120 MKs vote in favor of bills barring UNRWA from operating in Israel after it was proven to have employed multiple Hamas terrorists, including terrorists who participated in the 10/7 massacre.

Nordic countries concerned over anti-UNRWA legislation

Five Nordic countries criticize bills against UNRWA introduced in the Knesset, say they "may fundamentally jeopardize the prospects for a two-state solution".

At the age of 87

Former Knesset Speaker Dan Tichon passes away

Tichon served as a member of the Knesset for 17 years, including three years as Knesset Speaker during the first Netanyahu government.

In honor of Ariel Bibas:

Knesset building illuminated in orange

Knesset building illuminated in orange to match the hair color of five-year-old who is marking his birthday in Hamas captivity.

Before PM's visit to US:

Knesset establishes its position against a Palestinian state

Proposal supported by Knesset members from the National Right, Likud, National Unity, Shas, United Torah Judaism, Otzma Yehudit, Yisrael Beytenu, and the Religious Zionist Party.

Watch:

Near brawl in the Knesset during Ben Gvir's speech

Arab Knesset members move towards the podium on which Ben Gvir was standing after he called Arab MKs "terrorists". The ushers separated the parties.

New US-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group

US and Israel set up House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group to promote common areas of interest, hold exchanges of knowledge and expertise, and foster cooperation in a variety of fields

Knesset approves:

First reading of bill raising retirement age for IDF reservists

Knesset approves extension by three months of temporary order raising the reservist exemption age by one year.

Netanyahu:

'War won't end until Hamas eliminated, residents return home'

PM tells Knesset Israel is 'committed' to Biden's latest ceasefire proposal, but its position on the need to eliminate Hamas and restore security has not changed.

Former Minister Rafi Edri dies at 86

Edri, who served as a member of the Knesset and a minister on behalf of the Labor Party, was known for his ties to his native Morocco and was involved in strengthening ties between the countries.

Knesset approves:

Government will advance Haredi Draft Law initiated by Gantz

Knesset approves by majority of 63 to 57 the continuous application of the Haredi Draft Law, allowing the legislative procedures to continue from where they left off in the previous Knesset.

Rep. Elise Stefanik to Knesset:

'No excuse for Biden to halt weapons shipments to Israel'

Congresswoman Stefanik addresses Knesset, says US has a duty to stand by Israel 'fully and unconditionally' against the forces of barbarism.

'No excuse for Biden aid cut'

Rep. Elise Stefanik to address Knesset today

House Republican Conference Chair to visit sites of Hamas massacre, address Knesset in trip to Israel.

Smotrich vs. Gallant:

'Defense Minister is delaying operation in Judea and Samaria'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich claims that numerous processes to seize land in Judea and Samaria are waiting only for the Defense Minister's signature.

Huge victory for Ad Kan:

Igatha 48 to be shut down due to suspicion of financing terror

Igatha 48 was notified and given an opportunity to respond to concern of its collaboration with terrorist organizations. Minister Bezalel Smotrich: We warned of UAL’s connection to the nonprofit.

'Who are you?'

MK Yuli Edelstein forgets name of fellow MK

During a meeting of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, the committee chairman MK Yuli Edelstein did not recognize Knesset member Yaron Levi from the Yesh Atid party.

Bedlam in the Knesset

MK Cassif accuses IDF soldiers of war crimes

A scene of chaos erupted in the Knesset after MK Ofer Cassif claimed: 'As the forces leave the hospital, the difficult testimonies, the pictures of the ruin and destruction, and the horrific stories of the survivors begin to come out.'

Knesset passes bill to close Al Jazeera in Israel

Minister Karhi, who submitted the bill, says, "There will be no freedom of speech for Hamas mouthpieces in Israel. Al Jazeera will be closed in the coming days."

Lapid at anti-government protest:

'How has Netanyahu not disappeared from our lives forever?'

Anti-government demonstrators gather outside the Knesset building in Jerusalem, demand early elections.

Final Approval:

Day of commemoration for orphans' families in Israel

According to the bill an annual day of commemoration will be held on 25 Kislev for the families of orphans and marked by a special session in Knesset plenum and some of its committees.

Ben Gvir mocks Lapid:

'To which Lapid am I responding?'

Minister Ben Gvir dedicates an entire speech in the Knesset plenum to opposition leader Yair Lapid, mocks the fact that he makes contradictory statements.

A sad birthday

Birthdays of two hostages marked in the Knesset

The families of the hostages came to the Knesset to mark the birthdays of Shlomo Mansour (86) and Doron Steinbrecher (31) who are being held captive by Hamas.

MK Moshe Saada:

Sa'ar demand justified. War Cabinet must be diverse

MK Moshe Saada is pleased with Minister Gideon Sa'ar's resignation from the National Unity party and believes it is possible to reach an agreement on a new draft law that will also include the Arabs.

Biden:

'I have not scheduled a meeting with Netanyahu'

US President tells reporters he has no plans to address the Knesset at this time, after expressing a desire to do so in a TV interview.

Outside the Knesset

Protester bites policewoman

Group of protesters arrive near the Knesset and clash with police who tried to evacuate the illegal demonstration.

Mother of hostage:

Leshem-Gonen: Every morning I ask Romi to forgive me

Merav Leshem-Gonen, tearfully: ‘I ask for Romi’s forgiveness, because 150 days have passed and I have managed to bring her home.’

MK Avigdor Liberman:

'Cancel the Knesset's winter break'

Yisrael Beytenu chairman sends letter to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, asks him to cancel the winter break of the Knesset due to the war.

99 votes in favor:

Knesset overwhelmingly rejects imposing PA state

Majority of opposition MKs join coalition in supporting govt. statement rejecting foreign attempts to declare a Palestinian state while the war continues.

Likud Minister delivers torrent of insults to MK

Minister May Golan used her time at the Knesset podium to give a lengthy tongue lashing to MK Merav Ben Ari.

Knesset votes against impeaching Hadash MK

The vote failed after the required threshold of 90 MKs in favor of impeachment was not met.

Anti-UNRWA bill passes in preliminary reading

The bill was supported by 33 Knesset members, with 10 opponents, and will be forwarded to the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee for discussion.

Ben-Gvir's 'Goat Speech'

National Security Minister Itamamr Ben-Gvir denounced the reports of an approaching prisoner exchange agreement in a Knesset address entitled 'The Goat Speech'.

'I know Israel has true friends around the world'

MKs and Christian leaders gather at Knesset’s Jerusalem Hall to mark two decades of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus.

President Isaac Herzog:

'Only through unity will we be worthy of sacrifice'

President Isaac Herzog spoke at the 75th anniversary meeting of the Knesset and called for greater unity among all of Israeli society.

MKs from Judea and Samaria receive helmets, bulletproof vests

Knesset guard gives protective gear to MKs who live in Judea and Samaria in light of security threats following killing of Hamas leader.

'Do not be afraid':

Iranian opposition leader speaks at the Knesset

Iranian opposition leader Vahid Beheshti at the Knesset: You should not be afraid of attacking Iranian bases in Iran.

Room with a view, Jerusalem

On a clear day, between the buildings you can see the Knesset, which has been enveloped in a fog of confusion during this war.Op-ed.

Iranian opposition member to speak at Knesset tomorrow

Vahid Beheshti, a member of the Iranian opposition, will speak at the Knesset tomorrow about the future of the Gaza Strip after the war.

Northern children tell Knesset committee: We have nowhere to go

Children from northern Israel tell Interior Affairs Committee of the terror they endure every day under the threat of Hezbollah.

Netanyahu: I asked Xi Jinping to help recover hostages

Prime Minister Netanyahu told the Knesset Plenum of the many efforts being made to free the hostages, including an appeal to China.

2 Arab MKs suspended from Knesset for false claims on war

MK Iman Khatib-Yasin suspended for 1 month for denying Hamas massacre, MK Aida Touma-Suleiman suspended for 2 months for lying about IDF.

In the Knesset:

New command center to handle surge in weapons permit requests

Knesset Speaker proposes using non-essential Knesset workers to handle wartime surge in requests for weapons licenses.

Herzog at Knesset:

'Our enemies are looking for any hint of division within us'

President opens Winter Session of the 25th Knesset: 'This House must mirror the unity of our nation at this time.'

Knesset evacuated as rockets fired at Jerusalem, Tel Aviv

Gaza terrorists launch massive barrage of rockets all over central Israel, disrupting opening of the Knesset's winter session.

Netanyahu:

'Our goal is to crush Hamas, remove threat once and for all'

At first Knesset session since massacre, PM says 'unity and determination' are the necessary factors for victory in the Hamas-started war.

Knesset approves unity govt

Netanyahu: 10-7 the most horrible day for Jews since Holocaust

'This really is a war for our home.  And it must end with one thing, a complete victory. And the crushing and elimination of Hamas.'

Opposition MK's storm out of Ben-Gvir's speech

Several MKs from opposition parties left the hall as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir attempted to speak.