Israeli Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana Cuts Budget by 376 Million Shekels Since Taking Office

Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Israeli Knesset, has announced a fourth consecutive budget cut for the parliament, transferring an additional 50 million shekels back to the state treasury. Since the beginning of his term, Ohana has returned a total of 376 million shekels to the treasury, marking an unprecedented level of budget reductions for the Knesset.

This latest cut follows previous reductions of 80 million shekels in November 2023, 121 million shekels in January 2024, and 125 million shekels in October 2025, the latter directed to support the war effort. The current 50 million shekel cut is pending approval by the joint committee and is designed to avoid impairing the Knesset’s essential operations.

Ohana emphasized his commitment to fiscal responsibility, stating that from day one he aimed to minimize public spending while ensuring the Knesset’s work and development continued effectively. He described the institution’s approach as treating taxpayers’ money with "holy fear" and returning unused funds to benefit Israeli citizens.

The Knesset administration highlighted that these cuts maintain the parliament’s independence and the separation of powers, focusing savings on areas that do not affect daily functions. The cumulative 376 million shekel budget reduction represents a significant shift in parliamentary financial management compared to previous practices, where budgets typically increased.

Summary: Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Israeli Knesset, has cut the parliament’s budget by a total of 376 million shekels since taking office, including a recent 50 million shekel reduction, all while preserving the institution’s essential functions and independence.