Knesset Data Reveals Publicly Funded Newspaper Subscriptions for Lawmakers
Official data released by the Knesset following a freedom of information request details public funding for 153 lawmaker newspaper subscriptions and benefits for former members.
Official data released by the Knesset reveals the breakdown of publicly funded newspaper subscriptions for lawmakers, along with ongoing financial benefits for former members. The figures were published following a freedom of information request submitted last August by the B'Tsalmo organization.
According to the official response provided by Shmulik Hazakia, the Knesset's Information Division Deputy Director General and Freedom of Information Officer, a total of 153 newspaper subscriptions are currently funded. "Yedioth Ahronoth" leads the list with 46 subscriptions, followed closely by "Haaretz" with 34, while "Globes" and "Makor Rishon" each account for 18 subscriptions.
Additional subscriptions include "Maariv" with 11, "TheMarker" with 9, "HaModia" with 7, "Calcalist" with 5, "Jerusalem Post" with 3, and "Yated Ne'eman" with 2. Together, "Yedioth Ahronoth" and "Haaretz" comprise more than half of all distributed subscriptions, totaling 80 between them.
The documentation also outlines perks extended to former parliamentarians. While active Knesset members are entitled to two newspaper subscriptions annually at public expense, former lawmakers who served a full term receive a one-time payment of 2,004 shekels, whereas those who served prior to the 17th Knesset are eligible for lifetime stipends processed through payroll administration.
