The discourse in the legislative branch has been emptied of substantive content, and only 10% of the public believe it influences policy • Parliamentary debate has deteriorated and lost its core substance, even within committee arenas that have traditionally been characterized by professional discourse • This grim situation must change.

The relationship among the branches of government in Israel has become a political issue in recent years. Instead of a healthy tension between governing authorities that balance one another, a constant struggle for political power has emerged. Bills are advanced, masses take to the streets, powers are assumed and revoked, and the debate focuses primarily on the conflict between the government and the judicial system, while the legislative branch—the Knesset—is sidelined.

The Knesset has been reduced to an arena where events take place, but substance is not determined. While debates on judicial legislation occurred in the Knesset, it was not the focal point. Thus, it is hardly surprising that in a Tachlith Institute poll from March 2024, when asked, “Which branch do you think has the most influence on policy in Israel?”, only 10% answered that the Knesset is the most influential arena for policy.

Despite being the central institution representing citizens’ interests, the Knesset has lost its core function: advancing public needs through effective legislative and oversight processes. The performance of government ministries surrounding the events of October 7 exposed the weakness of parliamentary oversight and the challenge the Knesset faces in enforcing it.

Parliamentary discourse has deteriorated and been emptied of substantive content. Even within the committees, which have traditionally been characterized by professional dialogue, the pursuit of headlines frequently overrides professionalism and thoroughness. The unfortunate result is that representative institutions—the Knesset and political parties—currently receive the lowest public trust among all branches of government, following years of erosion in public representation.

Strengthening the Knesset

This grim situation must change. The Knesset must return to fulfilling its democratic purpose as the representative of the people and the guardian of proper governance. However, for this to happen, significant steps are required to rehabilitate parliamentary oversight, alongside a genuine willingness to strengthen the oversight tools available to the Knesset.

Simultaneously, public involvement in the legislative process must be expanded. It is both possible and desirable to regularly open channels for public comments on bills debated across various committees. Such a step would enable citizens to engage in processes that affect their lives while reconnecting elected officials to the true desires and needs of the constituents they represent.

It is time to shift the center of gravity of public discourse away from the clash between the executive/legislative and the judiciary, placing the Knesset and the public itself at the center of democratic processes. In any discussion regarding the situation in Israel, the initial question should be: Where is the Knesset? How is it fulfilling or failing in its most vital role—legislating in the name of the people and maintaining proper democratic checks and balances?

Strengthening the Knesset and restoring its status is no easy task. It requires deep-going reforms and significant measures, but ultimately, it is an essential mission for restoring proper democratic order in the State of Israel.

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