The Knesset ( ; the gathering or assembly ; ) is the legislative branch of the government of Israel . It makes laws , elects the president and prime minister , supervises the work of the government , and has the power to remove the President and the State Comptroller from office and to call new elections . The legislative branch of the Israeli government , the Knesset enacts laws , elects the president and prime minister ( although he or she is ceremonially appointed by the President ) , supervises the work of the government , reserves the power to remove the President of the State and the State Comptroller from office and to dissolve itself and call new elections .