84 | The State
the formation of a government, a list of ministers for Knesset approval, together with an outline of proposed government guidelines. All the ministers must be Israeli citizens and residents of Israel and all must be Knesset members.
Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs • T. Griffith
Once approved, the ministers are responsible to the prime minister for the fulfillment of their duties and accountable to the Knesset for their actions. Most ministers are assigned a portfolio and head a ministry; ministers who function without portfolio may be called upon to assume responsibility for special projects. The prime minister may also serve as a minister with a specific portfolio. Ministers, with the approval of the prime minister and the government, may appoint a deputy minister in their ministry; all must be Knesset members. Like the Knesset, the government usually serves for four years, but its term may be shortened by the resignation, incapacitation or death of the prime minister, or a vote of no-confidence by the Knesset. If the prime minister is unable to continue in office due to death, incapacitation, resignation, or impeachment, the government appoints one of its members (who