Israeli Cabinet

Israeli Cabinet

The Cabinet of Israel (officially: Hebrew: ממשלת ישראל‎ Memshelet Yisrael, English: Government of Israel) is a formal body composed of government officials called ministers, chosen and led by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister must appoint members based on the distribution of votes to political parties during legislative elections, and its composition must be approved by a vote in the Knesset. Under Israeli law, the Prime Minister may dismiss members of the Cabinet, but must do so in writing, and new appointees must be approved by the Knesset. Most ministers are heads of government departments, though some are Ministers without Portfolio. Most ministers are members of the Knesset, though only the Prime Minister and the Designated Acting Prime Minister are actually required to be Knesset members. Some ministers are called also Deputy and Vice Prime Ministers. Unlike the Designated Acting Prime Minister, these roles have no statutory meanings. The cabinet operates according to the Basic Law: The Government.

The cabinet meets weekly on Sundays in Jerusalem. There may be additional meetings if circumstances require it. The prime minister chairs the meetings.