Israeli Lawmakers' Perks and Costs Revealed Ahead of New Knesset Term
A new report reveals that each Israeli lawmaker will cost taxpayers approximately 2.25 million shekels annually by 2027, with total Knesset expenses exceeding 1 billion shekels. The costs include salaries, a leased car, housing allowances, and significant budgets for parliamentary aides and public outreach. These figures are based on current benefits and will be adjusted for inflation. The analysis details various perks provided to the 120 members of the Knesset.
הידיעה ב-7 שורות · תקציר של baba
- Each Israeli lawmaker will cost 2.25 million shekels annually by 2027, totaling 9 million per four-year term.
- Total Knesset expenses are projected to exceed 1 billion shekels once a government is formed.
- MKs receive a base salary of over 52,000 shekels monthly, plus benefits and pension contributions.
- Lawmakers are entitled to a leased car worth up to 350,000 shekels and a fuel card.
- MKs can receive up to 5,033 shekels monthly for housing in Jerusalem or hotel stays.
- Each MK has three parliamentary aides whose salaries are paid by the Knesset.
- An annual budget of over 110,000 shekels is allocated for public outreach activities.
The cost of a Member of Knesset (MK) in Israel is projected to reach 2.25 million shekels annually by 2027, totaling 9 million shekels over a full four-year term. This figure encompasses salaries, benefits, and operational expenses for the 120 MKs, with additional costs for "Norwegian" alternates and ministers appointed from the Knesset. The total expenditure for the Knesset is estimated to exceed 1 billion shekels once a government is formed. This analysis, conducted by ynet and "Mamon," details the current benefits provided to MKs, which will see a 2% inflation adjustment by 2027.
MKs receive a base monthly salary of 52,147 shekels before taxes, which increased by 2.4% in January 2026 after a three-year freeze. Higher salaries are designated for committee chairs, deputy Knesset speakers, the opposition leader, and the Knesset speaker. While the previous pension system was abolished in 2003, contributions to cumulative pension funds and study funds are still made, costing thousands of shekels monthly.
Each MK is entitled to a leased car valued up to 350,000 shekels, typically a Skoda Superb or similar SUV, along with a fuel card or full transportation expense reimbursement covering insurance, maintenance, and licensing. These vehicle-related costs average between 5,500 and 6,000 shekels per month.
MKs residing more than 50 kilometers from Jerusalem can receive hotel accommodation on Knesset session days or a monthly rent reimbursement of up to 5,033 shekels for an apartment in the capital. They are also provided with personal offices in the Knesset building, with annual maintenance and furniture costs running into thousands and tens of thousands of shekels, respectively.
Furthermore, each MK is allocated three parliamentary aides and committee chairs receive four. These aides are state employees whose salaries, ranging from approximately 9,800 to 14,200 shekels gross per month depending on their role and hours, are paid directly from the Knesset budget. MKs also receive essential office equipment like computers and mobile phones at the Knesset's expense.
An annual budget of 110,795 shekels is provided for public outreach, with an additional 12,008 shekels for new MKs in their first year. These funds can be used for social media promotion, communication consulting, printed materials, legal advice, website development, and event hosting. Additional annual benefits include allowances for clothing (5,147 shekels), newspaper subscriptions, annual medical check-ups (approximately 1,800 shekels), foreign language studies (up to 4,800 shekels), and communication expenses, totaling around 20,000 shekels.
לא אותו אירוע: ידיעות אחרות שחולקות עם הידיעה הזו אנשים, מקומות או נושא. רקע, תגובות והמשכים.
