Israeli Election Costs Estimated at 4 Billion Shekels

Israel's upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled in 40 days, are projected to cost approximately 4 billion shekels. This marks the first time in seven years that elections will be held at the end of a full four-year term, reducing state expenses associated with early elections. Israel has experienced four election cycles in just two years previously: April 2019, September 2019, March 2020, and March 2021. Since 2015, including the upcoming vote, seven election campaigns have taken place.

The total cost encompasses not only direct election expenses but also economic impact, primarily due to the election day being a public holiday. Businesses that remain open may incur additional labor costs, with staff potentially receiving up to a 100% salary increase. The Manufacturers Association's economic research department estimates the cost of the non-working day at around 2.68 billion shekels. Direct election day expenses are estimated at 1.82 billion shekels, with an additional 86 million shekels for the public sector, bringing the total economic impact to 2.68 billion shekels.

The 2026 state budget includes 976 million shekels allocated for "Elections and Party Financing," later adjusted to 1.027 billion shekels after budget transfers. The Central Elections Committee's budget for the current year is 111 million shekels. Each Knesset member has a financing limit of 1.835 million shekels, with 80% available as an advance.

For comparison, the elections for the 25th Knesset on November 25, 2022, cost around 3 billion shekels, including 2.14 billion shekels in lost productivity. Party financing for that election was 200 million shekels.