Government Structure
Israel’s government is structured as a parliamentary democracy with legislative power vested in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. Israel’s executive branch consists of a cabinet selected by the Knesset and led by a Prime Minister, the Israeli head of government. Israel also has a President, the ceremonial and apolitical head of state, also elected by the Knesset. The Knesset contains 120 members elected through nationwide proportional representation at least once every four years. Israeli elections are structured such that voters vote for a party rather than individual candidates. Israel has an independent judiciary with judges selected by a committee consisting of two cabinet ministers, two members of the Knesset, three Supreme Court judges, and two members of the Bar Association.
International Relations
Israel cooperates extensively with western governments and receives substantial US military aid. The small nation has complicated relations with its neighbors.
Political Environment
The Likud Party has dominated Israeli politics for the past decade; however, no party has ever held an outright majority and all governments have ruled through coalitions. Given the geopolitical environment in the contemporary Middle East, the most pressing issue at election time is invariably defence. It is largely for this reason that Benjamin Netanyahu has been so dominant for the past ten years.
Recent Developments
The current Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is facing potential corruption charges for allegedly buying favorable coverage in the Israeli media. The controversy has been further complicated by his recent reelection.
Global Politics in Under 400 Words 