Israeli Knesset Ends Turbulent 25th Session Amid War and Legal Reforms

The 25th Knesset of Israel officially concludes its term on July 16, 2026, marking the first time since 1988 that a Knesset session has ended in mid-July. This term was dominated by the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which shocked the nation and unexpectedly allowed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government to survive politically despite widespread predictions of a rapid coalition collapse.

Key issues during this term included the ongoing judicial reform efforts and the contentious ultra-Orthodox military draft debate. The judicial overhaul, initially led by Minister Yariv Levin, faced massive public protests, strikes, and threats of reserve duty refusal, and was temporarily stalled by the war. However, the coalition resumed passing incremental legal changes during the conflict, including laws affecting the Attorney General's advisory role and the composition of the judicial selection committee.

The ultra-Orthodox draft crisis persisted throughout the term. Prior to the war, ultra-Orthodox parties expected exemptions under Netanyahu's coalition, but he repeatedly rejected these demands. Post-war, the urgency increased, leading to over 80 discussions in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Political fallout included the removal of committee chairman Yuli Edelstein and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, both opposed to ultra-Orthodox concessions. A law freezing the arrest of draft evaders passed but was blocked by the Supreme Court. Netanyahu leaves office without passing legislation easing military service burdens.

Notably absent from this term is the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre. Netanyahu opposed a commission led by the Supreme Court president and failed to finalize legislation for a politically appointed investigative committee, which the opposition refused to cooperate with. Thus, the government ends without a formal inquiry into the worst security failure in Israel's history.

Coalition chairman Ofir Katz played a crucial role in maintaining unity amid fierce disputes, especially with ultra-Orthodox factions. Coalition members felt this unique 64-seat right-wing majority allowed them to advance agendas under the cover of wartime urgency, with figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, and Aryeh Deri pushing significant policies. The opposition, fragmented and weakened by defections including Gideon Sa'ar's party, failed to topple the government.

The Knesset will pass its final laws today before entering recess until the upcoming elections on October 27, 2026.