Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee
The Knesset's most prestigious statutory committee, responsible for parliamentary oversight of Israel's defense establishment, foreign policy, and intelligence services.
The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee (FADC) is the primary legislative body responsible for overseeing the State of Israel's national security apparatus. Its mandate covers the Ministry of Defense, the IDF, the Mossad, and the Shin Bet, as well as the formulation and execution of foreign policy. Due to the sensitive nature of its work, much of the committee's activity—particularly within its subcommittees—is conducted behind closed doors to protect classified intelligence and operational details. In the Israeli parliamentary system, the FADC serves as a critical check on the executive branch, ensuring that military and diplomatic strategies align with national interests and legal standards. Historically, the committee has been a focal point for debating the most consequential issues facing the nation, from peace treaties and military operations to the annual defense budget and the structure of mandatory service. In recent years, and specifically during the 2026 security crisis, the committee has become the central arena for resolving the tension between the IDF's personnel requirements and the socio-political challenges of military conscription. This includes managing the legal and logistical complexities of Haredi enlistment and the duration of regular service for all citizens. The committee's decisions directly impact the readiness of the IDF and the resilience of the Israeli home front, making it a cornerstone of the country's democratic oversight of its security forces.