Lobbies in the Knesset

Lexicon of Terms

Currently Functioning Lobbies

Lobbies in the Knesset

A lobby, (the Hebrew word “Shdula”), is defined as a group of persons actively trying to influence legislators or other public officials in favor of a specific cause. A lobbyist in the Knesset is an individual – either a Knesset Member or an activist from the outside - who tries to influence the legislation or decision-making of Knesset Members. Lobby activity is an integral part of the democratic political process, and it allows individuals or groups to express their opinions and to participate in policy-making. The activity of any particular lobby usually focuses around one specific issue rather than on a variety of topics.

There are two types of lobbies that function in the Knesset.

Lobbies of Interest Groups:

These are lobbies consisting of public-relations professionals who represent interest groups. The organization of their activity within the Knesset is anchored in the “Knesset Building, Plaza, and Guard Law - 1968” and in the “Knesset Building and Plaza Ordinances – 1994.”

The activists who enter the Knesset may do so only with the approval of the Knesset Speaker. They must make it public knowledge those in the Knesset that they are lobbyists and that they are aware of the following rules: The lobbyist is not allowed to coerce any MK into committing to vote a certain way or to act a certain way toward the lobbyist; the lobbyist is forbidden from misleading any MK regarding facts connected to any decisions or legislation. If any activist disregards these rules, the Knesset Speaker reserves the right to revoke his/her entrance permit.

Today, approximately thirty lobbyists who work in advertising and public relations firms have fixed entrance permits into the Knesset. Each lobbyist represents at least two interest groups such as the Contractors’ Union, Council of Accountants, environmental organizations, and banks. Currently, there is no periodic reporting or accounting of the activities of these lobbyists, and this issue has been turned over to the House Committee for processing and incorporation into the Knesset Rules of Procedure.

Knesset Members’ Lobbies

These lobbies consist of Knesset Members who unite regarding a particular issue. The Knesset does not interfere in their doings, and the activities of these lobbies are anchored in the Knesset House Committee decision of April 1, 1997. That decision states that Knesset Members are permitted to form lobbies without any explicit permission regarding issues that are currently being discussed in the Knesset committees. The Knesset will not fund any activity of these lobbies, although the individual Knesset Members may use funds from their own budgets for Contact with the Public. The Knesset Members’ lobbies may not use committee rooms for their meetings, thereby preventing any misconception that the lobby meeting is official Knesset business. Any other rooms in the Knesset, such as MK or parliamentary group offices may be used. When a lobby invites participants, it must be made clear that the lobby is extending the invitation and not any official Knesset organization.

The currently functioning Knesset lobbies presented on this website are all Knesset Members' Lobbies.