Knesset Passes Historic Clean-Energy Package 72 to 44
After an overnight marathon session, the Knesset voted to mandate 80% renewable electricity by 2035 and phase out coal by 2028 — the most ambitious climate legislation in Israeli history.
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The bill passed at 4:17 AM after sixteen hours of debate, cross-party amendments, and one dramatic procedural walkout. When the final vote tally was read, the chamber erupted — supporters cheered, opponents stared at the floor.
Under the legislation, Israel must generate 80 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035. All coal-fired power generation must cease by 2028. A new green infrastructure fund, capitalised at 12 billion shekels, will support the transition.
The law is arguably the most significant piece of environmental legislation in Israeli history, and it was not supposed to pass. As recently as a month ago, coalition whips were privately warning that they did not have the numbers.
What Changed
The breakthrough came from an unexpected alliance between the secular left and the ultra-Orthodox parties. Haredi lawmakers, traditionally hostile to environmental legislation, were won over by provisions creating jobs in solar installation in communities with high unemployment — a significant concern for their constituents.
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