members. A bill becomes a law after it has passed three readings and a vote in the Knes- set plenum.

The Executive branch of government is headed by the Prime Minister, who serves as the head of the government. He or she serves as the head of the government coalition. It is the Prime Minister\u2019s responsibility to assemble a cabinet of ministers charged with executing the duties of government.

Israel is a parliamentary democracy with three branches of government \u2013 the execu- tive, legislative, and judicial. The three branches of government create a separa- tion of powers, in which one branch has the power and ability to check the power of another branch.

Israel\u2019s legislative branch is the Knesset, a reference to the Knesset Ha-Gedolah (Great Assembly), the legislative body established by Ezra the Scribe in 70 CE. Like its ancient precursor, the Knesset has 120 members, all of whom are voted into office by the electorate. In order to gain representation in the Knesset, a party must receive at least 2% of the votes cast by the voters. Any Israeli citizen who reaches the age of 18 is entitled to vote.

The Knesset operates through many committee meetings and plenary sessions in which all Members of Knesset partici- pate.