The executive authority of the state is the
government (cabinet of ministers), charged with administering internal
and foreign affairs, including security matters. Its policy-making
powers are very wide, and it is authorized to take action on any issue
which is not legally incumbent upon another authority.
The cabinet determines its own working the formation of a government,
a list of ministers for Knesset approval, together with an outline of
proposed government guidelines. All the ministers must be Israeli
citizens and residents of Israel and all must be Knesset members.
Once approved, the ministers are responsible to the prime minister
for the fulfillment of their duties and accountable to the Knesset for
their actions. Most ministers are assigned a portfolio and head a
ministry; ministers who function without portfolio may be called upon to
assume responsibility for special projects. The prime minister may also
serve as a minister with a specific portfolio.
Ministers, with the approval of the prime minister and the
government, may appoint a deputy minister in their ministry; all must be
Like the Knesset, the government usually serves for four years, but
its term may be shortened by the resignation, incapacitation or death of
the prime minister, or a vote of no-confidence by the Knesset.
If the prime minister is unable to continue in office due to death,
incapacitation, resignation, or impeachment, the government appoints one
of its members (who and decision-making procedures. It usually meets
once a week, but additional meetings may be called as needed. It may
also act through ministerial committees.
Forming a government: All governments to date have been based on
coalitions of several parties, since no party has ever received enough
Knesset seats to form a government by itself.
Following consultations, the president presents one Knesset member
with the responsibility of forming a government. To do so, this Knesset
member has to present, within 28 days of being given responsibility for
must be a Knesset member) as acting prime minister.
In case of a vote of no-confidence, the government and the prime
minister remain in their positions until a new government is formed.
Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Photo: T. Griffith)