Israel's 26th Knesset Convenes for First Session After Elections
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Israel's 26th Knesset will convene by November 10, with its 120 members sworn in to officially begin their terms. Following the oath, an Arrangements Committee will be formed to manage parliamentary work until permanent committees are established. MKs must take the oath to exercise their rights, and the election results are due by November 4.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The 26th Knesset will convene by November 10, 14 days after the elections.
- Members of Knesset must take an oath of allegiance to officially assume their duties.
- An MK not taking the oath cannot enjoy their parliamentary rights.
- The Arrangements Committee will manage Knesset work until permanent committees are formed.
- The Arrangements Committee will be established immediately after the swearing-in ceremony.
The 26th Knesset, Israel's parliament, is set to convene by November 10, 14 days after the general elections held on Tuesday. Members of Knesset (MKs) will officially assume their duties upon taking the oath of allegiance, a prerequisite for enjoying their parliamentary rights and privileges. The election results must be published by the Central Elections Committee no later than November 4.
During the swearing-in ceremony, the acting speaker will read the oath, which states, "I pledge allegiance to the State of Israel and to faithfully fulfill my mission in the Knesset." Each MK will then respond, "I pledge." Any MK who does not take the oath cannot exercise their rights as a member of Knesset.
Immediately following the swearing-in, the Knesset will establish the Arrangements Committee, the first committee of the new parliament. This committee will manage the Knesset's work until the permanent committees are formed. The Arrangements Committee is headed by an MK from the party of the individual tasked by the president with forming the government, and its members represent the factions based on their size. Until permanent committees are elected, the Arrangements Committee will exercise most of the powers typically held by the Knesset Committee, including appointing deputy speakers and setting the agenda. It can also establish temporary committees to fulfill the functions of committees like Finance and Foreign Affairs and Defense.
The permanent committees, such as the Finance, Constitution, and Foreign Affairs and Defense committees, are usually established only after the government is sworn in, as part of the distribution of roles between the coalition and the opposition. Until then, the Knesset's legislative work will be conducted through the Arrangements Committee and temporary committees.
