Outgoing Israeli Ministers and MKs to Receive Up to 312,000 Shekels in Transition Grants
Following the Likud party primaries, 17 ministers and members of the Knesset (MKs) lost their seats. However, all departing MKs are entitled to a transition grant of up to 312,000 shekels, calculated as one monthly salary (52,000 shekels) per year of service, capped at six months' salary. Eligibility requires at least one year of service in the Knesset.
According to recent polls, Likud is projected to win 23 seats, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holding the top spot and six secured slots. This means candidates ranked 24th and below are unlikely to enter the Knesset. Among the ministers expected to leave are May Golan, Idit Silman, Avi Dichter, Zeev Elkin, and Gila Gamliel, each set to receive the maximum transition grant of approximately 312,000 shekels. MK Keti Shitrit will also retire with the same grant.
Economy Minister Nir Barkat, placed 24th on the list, has refused government and MK salaries, raising questions about whether he will accept the transition grant if he leaves. Other MKs who dropped in the primaries and plan to retire include Finance Committee Chair Hanoch Milwitsky, Deputy Speaker Nissim Vaturi, Shalom Danino, Eli Dellal, Amit Halevi, and Ariel Kallner. They will receive about 156,000 shekels each for a full term. Some MKs with partial terms, such as Osher Shklem and Sasson Guetta, will receive partial grants.
Likud's Economy Committee Chair David Bitan, currently 23rd on the list, may also retire and receive the full grant. Overall, the number of retiring MKs across all parties is expected to reach 40 to 45, including new parties like "Yashar LaYisrael" led by Eisenkot and "Yachad" led by Bennett. Retiring MKs from other parties include Merav Michaeli (Labor) and Yaakov Margi, each eligible for 312,000 shekels. Recently retired MKs such as Moshe Arbel (Shas) and Ron Katz (Yesh Atid) also received transition grants.
Some MKs have expressed dissatisfaction that the transition grant is capped at six months' salary, arguing that private-sector severance pay is typically one month's salary per year worked. Despite this, the transition grant is considered modest compared to potential earnings former ministers and MKs may secure in the private sector after leaving office.
