Salaries for Knesset lawmakers have risen for the first time in three years, with monthly pay increases ranging from thousands of shekels for rank-and-file members to higher amounts for senior positions. The move comes as the country faces a steep rise in living costs, putting financial pressure on ordinary citizens. Former prime minister Naftali Bennett criticized the salary hike, accusing lawmakers of prioritizing their own interests while failing to address the economic challenges faced by the public. The salary freeze, previously maintained for two years in response to national crises, was not extended this year, resulting in automatic increases tied to inflation and average wages.