Israeli Lawmakers' Perks: Salary, Staff, and Perks Detailed

New members of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, will receive a monthly salary of approximately 48,700 shekels before taxes, an amount that includes cost-of-living adjustments. This salary begins immediately after they are sworn in. The recent election results are expected to bring around 45 new politicians into the Knesset who have no prior legislative experience. The "Yashar!" party list is seeing the largest influx of new members, with 14 of its top 20 candidates entering parliament, followed by the Likud party, which will have 10 new lawmakers. In addition to their salaries, Knesset members are entitled to contributions for professional development and retirement savings, though the old state-funded pension schemes were abolished in 2003. Each parliamentarian also receives a company car or a full travel expense reimbursement, along with the ability to hire up to three state-funded assistants. For those not living in Jerusalem, a monthly housing allowance of up to 5,000 shekels is provided for rent. Communication expenses, including mobile phone service, are also covered by the budget. Lawmakers are allocated between 95,000 and 100,000 shekels annually for public outreach, social media advertising, and printed materials, provided they submit documented proof of expenses. Furthermore, members of Knesset are granted indefinite legal immunity for actions and statements made while performing their official duties.