Israeli MKs Receive Over 300,000 Shekels During Four-Month Election Recess

Israeli Members of Knesset (MKs) will enter a four-month election recess starting July 17, 2026, returning to full parliamentary work only in mid-November. During this period, MKs continuing into the next term will receive six months' salary totaling 312,000 shekels despite the Knesset being largely inactive. The election recess will last until November 10, 2026, when the new Knesset convenes. Initially, only three temporary committees will operate: the Knesset Committee managing parliamentary affairs, the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee handling urgent matters, and the Finance Committee addressing pressing financial issues. Full committee activity and plenary sessions will resume only by mid to late December, following the theoretical formation of a new coalition.

Meanwhile, 40 to 50 current MKs are expected to retire due to new parties entering the Knesset, declining support for Likud and Yesh Atid, and new candidates from parties like Democrats. These outgoing MKs will continue receiving a combined salary of 210,000 shekels until the new Knesset convenes. Since many will not be on party lists, their involvement in election activities is expected to be minimal. They will also retain benefits such as a personal vehicle and assistants until the new Knesset forms.

Additionally, departing MKs will receive a transition grant of up to 312,000 shekels each, calculated as one monthly salary (about 52,000 shekels) per year of service from the second year onward, capped at six months. This grant aims to ease their transition to post-Knesset life, potentially totaling nearly half a million shekels funded by taxpayers.