Israeli Parliament Faces 16.5 Million Shekel Cost for Likud and Democratic Primaries

The upcoming primaries in Israel's Likud and Democratic parties are expected to cost the Knesset approximately 16.53 million shekels. This expense is covered by the Knesset under a law initiated about a decade ago by Likud MK Dudi Amsalem, which reimburses primary candidates based on the number of party members. Likud, with 140,000 members, reimburses 380,000 shekels per candidate, while the Democrats, with 112,000 members, reimburse 275,000 shekels per candidate.

In the Likud primaries, 33 MKs competed for list positions, excluding two reserved spots held by Israel Katz and Haim Katz. Additionally, Ze'ev Elkin and Michel Buskila from the New Right party ran in the Likud primaries. The total cost for 35 non-reserved candidates in Likud amounts to 13.3 million shekels, with the two reserved-seat ministers entitled to reimbursements totaling up to 760,000 shekels. Current polls project Likud winning 23 seats, eight of which are reserved; any additional new MKs entering the Knesset will each receive a 380,000 shekel reimbursement.

On the Democratic side, three MKs, Naama Lazimi, Gilad Kariv, and Efrat Rayten, ran in the primaries. The party is polling at 10 seats, with nine candidates eligible for reimbursements totaling 2.475 million shekels after excluding chair Yair Golan, who does not receive reimbursement. New MKs entering within a year can claim reimbursements up to the party's limit.

Candidates who withdrew or were reserved after running must return any unspent funds to the Knesset but keep what was already spent. The State Comptroller will audit election and party funding in a report to be published after the elections. Non-MK candidates who enter the Knesset within a year are also eligible for reimbursements for their primary expenses up to the party cap.