Israeli Lawmakers Enjoy Lavish Perks, Costing Taxpayers Millions Annually
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Israeli lawmakers in the 26th Knesset will receive extensive benefits, with each member costing taxpayers approximately 2 million shekels annually. This includes salaries ranging from over 52,000 to nearly 65,000 shekels monthly, plus allowances for public outreach, car, fuel, and professional development. Additional perks cover housing, staffing, and post-service pension advice, significantly increasing the overall cost per legislator.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Each Israeli lawmaker costs taxpayers about 2 million shekels annually, covering salary and benefits.
- Monthly gross salaries range from 52,147 shekels to 64,899 shekels for Knesset members.
- Lawmakers receive 111,000 shekels for public outreach, covering technology and professional services.
- Benefits include a leased car with free fuel and allowances for housing and foreign language study.
- Committee chairs and senior officials receive higher salaries and more parliamentary advisors.
- Outgoing lawmakers are eligible for pension consulting assistance funded by the Knesset.
Members of the 26th Knesset are set to receive substantial benefits throughout their term, with the total annual cost per lawmaker estimated at approximately 2 million shekels. This extensive package includes a base gross monthly salary of 52,147 shekels. Higher positions command more: committee chairs or deputy Knesset speakers earn 54,767 shekels gross monthly, the opposition leader receives 58,365 shekels gross monthly, and the Knesset speaker's gross monthly salary is 64,899 shekels.
Beyond salaries, lawmakers are entitled to a 5,147 shekel annual clothing allowance. They also receive approximately 111,000 shekels for public outreach, managed via a credit card provided by the Knesset. This fund can cover the purchase of up to four laptops for the lawmaker and their aides, up to four mobile phones, professional consultation services such as strategic and media advice, legal expenses for public duties, website development, and accommodation for professional conferences held more than 150 kilometers from their homes. The funds can also be used for non-partisan conference expenses, including artistic programs within the Knesset (up to 5,000 shekels), and external events featuring speakers, catering, and sound systems.
Further benefits include a leased car with free fuel, typically a Skoda Superb, SUV, or minivan. Lawmakers also get subscriptions to two daily newspapers, a comprehensive annual medical check-up costing around 1,800 shekels, and 4,800 shekels annually for foreign language studies. For those residing over 50 kilometers from Jerusalem, the Knesset covers hotel accommodation costs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when the Knesset is in session. Alternatively, they can receive up to 5,000 shekels per month to rent an apartment in the capital.
Each Knesset member is permitted to employ three parliamentary advisors, with committee chairs eligible for four. Additionally, outgoing lawmakers are entitled to 1,200 shekels from the Knesset to cover pension consulting services.
