New Knesset Members to Receive Salary, Car, and Staff

Approximately 45 new members of the Knesset are expected to enter parliament following the recent elections, according to Channel 14's latest poll. Upon their swearing-in, these lawmakers will receive a gross monthly salary of around 48,700 shekels. This figure reflects a 2.4% update that took effect at the start of the year, ending a three-year freeze on Knesset members' salaries. In addition to their salary, new MKs will also accrue pension and study fund benefits, based on a defined contribution system, not the budgetary pension system abolished for MKs in 2003.

Beyond their salary, each Knesset member is entitled to a company car or car expense reimbursement, along with funding for communication and mobile phone services. Those residing outside Jerusalem can receive up to 5,000 shekels per month in housing assistance in the capital. Furthermore, every MK can employ up to three parliamentary aides, who are state employees paid directly from the Knesset's budget. They also have an annual budget of approximately 95,000 to 100,000 shekels for public outreach, such as social media advertising, consulting, and printing, which is reimbursed only against receipts.

The swearing-in ceremony also equips new MKs with the tools for parliamentary work. They gain the right to submit private bills, direct queries to ministers, and propose agenda items for Knesset plenary sessions. MKs are assigned to Knesset committees, where bills are debated and government actions are overseen, with assignments distributed among the factions. Notably, the National Unity party is expected to have the highest number of new faces, with 14 out of its first 20 candidates having no prior Knesset experience, followed by the Likud with ten.

Knesset members are also granted immunity. They are not subject to criminal or civil liability for votes, statements, or actions taken in their official capacity or on behalf of the Knesset. This immunity extends even after their term concludes. Additionally, criminal proceedings against a serving MK may, in certain circumstances, require Knesset approval.