Heated Debate in Israeli Knesset Over Office Air Conditioning Temperature

A heated argument erupted in the Israeli Knesset on July 2, 2026, over the temperature of the building's air conditioning system. Deputy Speaker Yaakov Margi complained that the Knesset building was excessively cold, saying many people were afraid to speak up about it. He emphasized that while people can tolerate heat, cold causes illness and discomfort, noting that some members had already left due to the chill. In response, Knesset member Tali Gottlieb insisted she felt hot, leading to a back-and-forth exchange where Margi urged her to cool herself individually rather than freezing the entire building.

This dispute is not the first time Knesset members have clashed over air conditioning. In August 2023, during a special Constitution Committee meeting, member Simcha Rothman complained about the heat and threatened those who tampered with the AC. Other attendees acknowledged feeling cold, while some sided with Rothman, illustrating the ongoing challenge of balancing comfort in shared office spaces.

Dr. Inbal Kadman, a family medicine specialist at Maccabi Healthcare Services, explained that sensitivity to temperature varies among individuals, often influenced by gender-related physiological differences such as muscle mass and hormonal fluctuations. She recommended setting air conditioning about 8 to 10 degrees Celsius lower than outside temperatures but cautioned against overcooling, which can increase the risk of colds and infections. Dr. Kadman also stressed the importance of ventilating offices or taking breaks outside to reduce health risks associated with overly cold work environments.