Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana Announces Major 50 Million Shekel Budget Cut

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana informed Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Sunday of his decision to implement a fourth budget cut for the Knesset since the start of his term. This latest reduction amounts to 50 million shekels, which will be transferred to the state treasury. This cut for the 2026 Knesset budget follows three previous reductions totaling 326 million shekels: 80 million in November 2023, 121 million in January 2024, and 125 million in October 2025, the latter aimed at supporting war efforts. Overall, the total budget cuts since the 25th Knesset began amount to 376 million shekels.

The matter will be submitted for approval to the joint committee responsible for the Knesset budget. Officials emphasized that the cuts will not harm the Knesset's essential ongoing operations and that principles regarding the Knesset's budgetary independence and separation of powers will be maintained. Ohana stated, "My policy from day one has been to reduce public spending while fully executing necessary work plans for the Knesset's operation and development. Even in the final stretch, the Knesset as a public institution treats taxpayers' money with utmost respect and returns funds to the treasury to benefit Israeli citizens."