Politics & Government Guide in Israel

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Israel is led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition government, formed in December 2022, which includes far-right parties and holds a Knesset majority. The government faces domestic challenges from judicial reform controversies and international scrutiny over the Gaza conflict. Legislative elections are set for 2026.

Government Type

Unitary parliamentary republic

Legal System

Mixed legal system of common law and civil law

Head of State

President Isaac Herzog(since 2021)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu(Likud)since 2022

Legislature

Type:unicameral

Lower House:Knesset (120 seats)

Major Political Parties

Likud(Likud)

Right-wing

32 seats

National Unity(National Unity)

Center

12 seats

Yesh Atid(Yesh Atid)

Centrist

24 seats

Religious Zionist Party(RZP)

Far-right

7 seats

Shas(Shas)

Right-wing

11 seats

Voting Rights

Israeli citizens over 18. Permanent residents without citizenship cannot vote in national elections.

Recent Developments

Thirty-seventh government formed on 2022-12-29 as most right-wing coalition in history
Ongoing judicial reform protests and debates since 2023
Escalated military operations in Gaza following October 2023 Hamas attack
Snap elections scheduled by October 2026 amid coalition tensions

Voting Age18

SuffrageUniversal

Constitution1950

Districts6