Knesset Members Cost Israeli Taxpayers Millions Annually
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Each member of Israel's 26th Knesset costs taxpayers approximately two million shekels annually, covering salaries, benefits, and staff, according to a Calcalist report. This includes high salaries, company cars with fuel, housing allowances, and budgets for professional expenses. The total annual cost for all 120 members is estimated at 240 million shekels.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Each Knesset member costs Israeli taxpayers about 2 million shekels annually.
- Lawmakers receive salaries, company cars with fuel, and housing compensation.
- An annual budget of 111,000 shekels covers public relations and professional expenses.
- The Knesset Speaker earns the highest salary, nearly 779,000 shekels per year.
- The total annual cost for all 120 members is estimated at 240 million shekels.
Each member of the 26th Knesset costs the Israeli state approximately two million shekels per year, according to a report by Calcalist. This figure encompasses not only their salaries but also a comprehensive package of benefits funded by the national budget. A regular lawmaker earns a gross monthly salary of 52,147 shekels, totaling over 625,000 shekels annually before additional expenses. Those in leadership positions, such as committee chairs and the opposition leader, receive higher salaries, with the Knesset Speaker earning the most at nearly 779,000 shekels per year.
Beyond their base pay, each MK is allocated an annual budget of about 111,000 shekels for public relations and professional activities. This budget, managed via a special Knesset credit card, can be used for equipment like computers and mobile phones, consulting services, legal support, social media management, and professional events. Lawmakers can purchase up to four laptops and four mobile phones for themselves and their aides, and can also fund strategic communication experts.
Transportation costs are also covered, with each member entitled to a leased company car, including fuel. Additionally, MKs who live more than 50 kilometers from Jerusalem receive compensation for accommodation during parliamentary sessions. This can be in the form of hotel stays on Mondays and Tuesdays or a monthly apartment rental allowance of up to 5,000 shekels, amounting to 60,000 shekels annually.
Further benefits include an annual clothing allowance of 5,147 shekels, up to 4,800 shekels for foreign language studies, and a comprehensive medical check-up costing around 1,800 shekels. They also receive subscriptions to two daily newspapers and a 1,200 shekel subsidy for pension consultations upon leaving office. The cost of parliamentary aides, with each MK entitled to three advisors and committee chairs to four, is also funded by the state. The combined expenses for salaries, benefits, and staff result in an estimated annual cost of 240 million shekels for all 120 Knesset members.
