Political Finance Database

Israel

Israel

2018
Bans and limits on private income
Public funding
Regulations of spending
Reporting, oversight and sanctions
Question Value
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties?
Code
Yes
Source

"a parliamentary party group  or a party shall receive a donation directly or indirectly only from a registered voter".

Source: Article 8(d1), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates?
Code
Yes
Comment

Candidates may recieve donations from foreign individuals, but not from foreign (or local) corporations.

Source

"A candidate shall not recieve a donation from a corporation in Israel or abroad".

Source: Article 28d(a), Parties Law, 1992. 

3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties?
Code
Yes
Source

"A parliamentary party group, a party or a list of candidates shall noe recieve, directly or indirectly, donations from a corporation whether in Israel or abroad".

Source: Article 8(a), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates?
Code
Yes
Comment

"A candidate shall not receive any contribution from a corporation whether in Israel or abroad".

Source: Article 28d(a), Parties Law, 1992. 

5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties?
Code
Yes
Comment

Basically, parties can recieve donations only from Israeli individuals. However, the General Labor Organization (The Histadrut) may give money to parties in order to help them finance their Hisdadrot election campaign , and, as long as the party doesn't exceed its expenditures ceiling for on-going (regular, not in relation to campaing) activities, it is not considered as a donation at all.

Source

"A parliamentary party  groups or a party shall receive a donation directly or indirectly only from a registered voter".

Source: Article 8(d1), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

"The amounts a party received from The Histadrut to fund the election campaign of The Histadrut... will not be considered as a contribution... as long as the party didn't exceed article 7(d)". Article 7d states the expenditures ceiling for on-going activities allowed to a party.

Source: Article 17(a)(2), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates?
Code
Yes
Comment

Candidates may not recieve donations from various types of corporations.  

Source

"A candidate shall not recieve a donation from a corporation in Israel or abroad".

Source: Article 28d(a), Parties Law, 1992.

7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties?
Code
Yes
Source

"A parliamentray party group or a party shall not receive, directly or indirectly, anonymous contributions".

Source: Article 8(d2), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates?
Code
Yes
Source

"A candidate shall not recieve anonymous contribution."

Source: Article 28d(c), Parties Law, 1992.

9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties?
Code
Yes
Comment

Only individuals can donate to political parties.

Source

"A parliamentary party group, a party or a list of candidates shall noe recieve, directly or indirectly, donations from a corporation whether in Israel or abroad".

Source: Article 8(a), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates?
Code
Yes
Comment

Only individuals can donate to candidates.

Source

"A candidate shall not receive any contribution from a corporation whether in Israel or abroad".

Source: Article 28d(a), Parties Law, 1992. 

11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties?
Code
Yes
Comment

Only individuals can donate to political parties.

Source

"A parliamentary party group, a party or a list of candidates shall noe recieve, directly or indirectly, donations from a corporation whether in Israel or abroad".

Source: Article 8(a), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates?
Code
Yes
Comment

Only individualscan donate to candidates.

Source

"A candidate shall not receive any contribution from a corporation whether in Israel or abroad".

Source: Article 28d(a), Parties Law, 1992.04

13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate?
Code
Yes
Source

"a) No use shall be made in connection with propaganda for primaries in the money or tangible or intangible assets of an audited body as defined in paragraphs (1) to (4) and (9) of the State Comptroller Law, or of a corporation which the Government or a local authority participates in its management or capital... ecept for use as specified below: (1) use... in public halls and public places that are normally open for such use; (2) the use of assets provided by the State to the authority of a Minister, a Deputy Minister or a Member of the Knesset, or that were provided by the local authority to the authority of the Head of the Authority; The provisions of this paragraph shall not derogate from the restrictions on the use of such assets imposed under any law or rules of ethics."

Source: Article 28y3(a), Parties Law, 1992.

"a) No use shall be made in connection with propaganda for elections in the money or tangible or intangible assets of an audited body as defined in paragraphs (1) to (4) and (9) of the State Comptroller Law, or of a corporation which the Government or a local authority participates in its management or capital... ecept for use as specified below: (1) use... in public halls and public places that are normally open for such use; (2) the use of assets provided by the State to the authority of a Minister, a Deputy Minister or a Member of the Knesset, or that were provided by the local authority to the authority of the Head of the Authority; The provisions of this paragraph shall not derogate from the restrictions on the use of such assets imposed under any law or rules of ethics."

Source: Article 2a, Knesset Elections Law (Propaganda Methods), 1959

14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period?
Code
Yes, for both natural and legal persons
Comment

A person may contribute to a political party 1,000 NIS in a year.

Basically, parties can recieve donations only from Israeli individuals. However, the General Labor Organization (The Histadrut) may give money to parties in order to help them finance their Hisdadrot election campaign , and, as long as the party doesn't exceed its expenditures ceiling for on-going (regular, not in relation to campaing) activities, it is not considered as a donation at all.

In addition, Parties may recieve donations from Kibbutz or agricultural society, and instead of a ceiling it is the Comptroller's job to decide whether the amount is "reasonable."

Source

"A parliamentary party group shall not receive, directly or indireclty , any donation in an amount or amounts exceeding 1000 NIS per year from a person and his house hold."

Source: Article 8(b), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

"The amounts a party received from The Histadrut to fund the election campaign of The Histadrut... will not be considered as a contribution... as long as the party didn't exceed article 7(d)". Article 7d states the expenditures ceiling for on-going activities allowed to a party.

Source: Article 17(a)(2), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

"Contributions to a parliamentary party groups or a party from a Kibutz or an agricultural society that come instead of personal contributions of their members and according to the State Comptroller are in a reasonable amount due to the circumstances, will not be considered as donations from a corporation."

Source: Article 8(a), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit?
Code
1000 NIS per year
Source

"A parliamentary party group shall not receive, directly or indireclty , any donation in an amount or amounts exceeding 1000 NIS per year from a person and his house hold."

Source: Article 8(b), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election?
Code
Yes, for both natural and legal persons
Comment

A person may contribute to a political party 2,300 NIS in a year when there are elections to the Knesse or to the local authorities.

Source

 "A parliamentary party group shall not receive, directly or indireclty , any donation in an amount or amounts exceeding 1000 NIS per year from a person and his house hold. In an election year or a year where there are elections to the local authorities the amount is 2300 NIS."

Source: Article 8(b-c), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit?
Code
A person may contribute to a political party 2,300 NIS in a year when there are elections to the Knesse or to the local authorities.
Source

 "A parliamentary party group shall not receive, directly or indireclty , any donation in an amount or amounts exceeding 1000 NIS per year from a person and his house hold. In an election year or a year where there are elections to the local authorities the amount is 2300 NIS."

Source: Article 8(b-c), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate?
Code
Yes, for natural persons
Comment

A person can contribute to a candidate in a primaries for the position of MP no more than 11,380 NIS, and to a candidate in  primaries for the position of party chairman, prime minister, or head of a local authority - no more than 45,470 NIS. Candidates in primaries with less than 50 electors may not raise any donations. However, there are special rules regarding "eligible elections" - primaries for the position of MP, which take place in parties with at least 5,000 members, and where most of the party's members are entitled to vote. In such elections, "eligible candidate" - a candidate who is a member of the government or a Member of the Knesset - is not entitled to receive donations, other than from himself and his family (however, he recieve pubic funding, - see below). 

There are also maximum ceilings for total allowed contributions, depending of the number of qualified voters, the position (Member of the Parliament or Chairman of a party/Prime Minister), and whether these are eligible elections or not.

Source

"A sole contributor may contribute to a candidate... a donation not above 11,380 NIS... in a primaries to the position of the party chairman, the prime minister, the head of local authority... a contributor can contribute... up to 45,470 NIS."

Source: Article 28f, Parties Law, 1992. 

"A person who is elected or is determined to be a candidate of a party for a positions enumerated in the definition of "preliminary elections" by an organization whose number does not exceed 50 shall not receive a contribution to finance the process of his election."

Source: Article 28b3, Parties Law, 1992. 

"An eligible candidate is not entitled to receive donations, loans, or guarantees to finance his contesting in eligible primaries."

Source: Article 28(33), Parties Law, 1992. 

a) A candidate shall not receive contributions to finance his running in the primaries and shall not make expenses, at a total value exceeding the amounts detailed below, according to the number of eligible voters in those preliminary elections: (1) up to 50 [eligible voters]: For contributions - 0 NIS; (2) 51 to 9,999  - 5,690 NIS and 15 NIS for each voter over 50 voters; (3) 10,000 to 99,999 - 176,210 NIS and 2.75 NIS for each voter over 10,000 voters; (4) 100,000 and above - 460,420 NIS and another 2 NIS per voter over 100,000 voters; b) In the preliminary elections in which a candidate run for the post of chairman of the party... and less than 50,000 voters are eligible, the amount for the purposes of subsection (a) shall be two times the amounts specified therein; If the number of holders of the right to vote is at least 50,000, such amount shall be four times the amounts specified in subsection (a)."

Source: Article 28h, Parties Law, 1992.

"a) candidate in an "eligible primaries" shall not make expenses in a total value exceeding the amounts specified below, according to the number of eligible voters in those preliminary elections... to finance his running in the primaries: (1) Up to 50 [eligible voters]: With respect to donations - 0 NIS...; (2) 51 to 4,999 - 4,000 NIS and NIS 9 for each voter over 50 voters; (3) 5,000 to 9,999 - 50,000 NIS and another NIS 11 per voter over 5,000 voters;(4) 10,000 to 99,999 -120,000 NIS 2 NIS per voter over 10,000 voters; (5) 100,000 and above - 320,000 NIS. b) ...a candidate as specified below shall not receive contributions to finance his participation in "eligible primaries" with a total value exceeding the amounts stated in subsection (a): (1) A candidate who is not an "eligible candidate."

Source: Article 28(32), Parties Law, 1992.

19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit?
Code
11,380 NIS for a candidate in primaries for the position of MP; 45,470 for a candidate in primaries for the position of party chairman, prime minister, or head of a local authority
Comment

11,380 NIS for a candidate in primaries for the position of MP; 45,470 for a candidate in primaries for the position of party chairman, prime minister, or head of a local authority. Candidates in primaries with less than 50 electors, as well as "eligible candidates", may not raise any donations. There are also maximum ceilings for total allowed contributions, depending of the number of qualified voters, the position (Member of the Parliament or Chairman of a party/Prime Minister), and whether these are eligible elections or not.

Source

"A sole contributor may contribute to a candidate... a donation not above 11,380 NIS... in a primaries to the position of the party chairman, the prime minister, the head of local authority... a contributor can contribute... up to 45,470 NIS."

Source: Article 28f, Parties Law, 1992. 

"A person who is elected or is determined to be a candidate of a party for a positions enumerated in the definition of "preliminary elections" by an organization whose number does not exceed 50 shall not receive a contribution to finance the process of his election."

Source: Article 28b3, Parties Law, 1992. 

"An eligible candidate is not entitled to receive donations, loans, or guarantees to finance his contesting in eligible primaries."

Source: Article 28(33), Parties Law, 1992. 

a) A candidate shall not receive contributions to finance his running in the primaries and shall not make expenses, at a total value exceeding the amounts detailed below, according to the number of eligible voters in those preliminary elections: (1) up to 50 [eligible voters]: For expenses - 5,690 NIS; (2) 51 to 9,999  - 5,690 NIS and 15 NIS for each voter over 50 voters; (3) 10,000 to 99,999 - 176,210 NIS and 2.75 NIS for each voter over 10,000 voters; (4) 100,000 and above - 460,420 NIS and another 2 NIS per voter over 100,000 voters; b) In the preliminary elections in which a candidate run for the post of chairman of the party... and less than 50,000 voters are eligible, the amount for the purposes of subsection (a) shall be two times the amounts specified therein; If the number of holders of the right to vote is at least 50,000, such amount shall be four times the amounts specified in subsection (a)."

Source: Article 28h, Parties Law, 1992.

"a) candidate in an "eligible primaries" shall not make expenses in a total value exceeding the amounts specified below, according to the number of eligible voters in those preliminary elections... to finance his running in the primaries: (1) Up to 50 [eligible voters]: With respect to donations - 0 NIS...; (2) 51 to 4,999 - 4,000 NIS and NIS 9 for each voter over 50 voters; (3) 5,000 to 9,999 - 50,000 NIS and another NIS 11 per voter over 5,000 voters;(4) 10,000 to 99,999 - 120,000 NIS 2 NIS per voter over 10,000 voters; (5) 100,000 and above - 320,000 NIS. b) ...a candidate as specified below shall not receive contributions to finance his participation in "eligible primaries" with a total value exceeding the amounts stated in subsection (a): (1) A candidate who is not an "eligible candidate."

Source: Article 28(32), Parties Law, 1992.

20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign?
Code
Yes, specific limit for candidates
Comment

A candidate and its family may contribute to themselves no more than a sum exceed its expenditures ceiling.

Source

"The candidate and his family are allowed to donate, together… an amount equal to the amount mentioned in article 28h or 28i."

Source: Article 28f(e), Parties Law, 1992.

21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties?
Code
Yes
Comment

In-kind donations for parties are treated the same as donations in money, except  a volunteering act that are not part of the volunteer's occupation.

Source

"A contribution - in money or in-kind, directly or indirectly, in cash or in written commitment... except a  volunteering act that is not the volunteer's only occupation."

Source: State Comptroller Guidlines according to Party Financing Law Concerning Managing the Financial Affairs of a Party Parliamentary Group, article 1

 

22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates?
Code
Yes
Comment

In-kind donations for  candidates are treated the same as donations in money, except  a volunteering act that are not part of the volunteer's occupation, and worth less than 50,000 NIS.

Source

"A contribution - in money or in-kind, directly or indirectly, in Israel or abroad, in cash or other commitments, except a volunteering act that is worth less than 50,000 NIS and is not the volunteer's occupation."

Source: Article 28a, Parties Law, 1992.

23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities?
Code
No
24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns?
Code
Yes
Comment

Parties that are not represented in the Knesset may take loans only from Banks. Parliamentary party groups may take loans only from the State (except for th purpose of purchasing a real estate - in that case it may take loans only from banks). Parliamentary party group may take a lone in an amount not exceeding half of its on-going public funding from the date of granting the loan until the end of three years from the date of commencement of the current Knesset; from the beginning of the fourth year of the Knesset until the beginning of the elections period, a parliamentary party group may receive a loan in an amount not exceeding three times the on-going public funding it receives in a month. The loans will be repaid from the on-going public funding received by the party.

Source

"A party that is not represented in the Knesset, including a list of candidates, shall recieve a loan only from a banking corporation...

A parliamentary party group shall receive a loan only from the State Treasury...  [or]A loan from a banking corporation... for the purpose of acquiring a right in real estate...

A parliamentary party group is entitled to receive, through the Speaker of the Knesset, loans under conditions as provided in this section:

Whichever is earlier, a party group may receive a loan in an amount not exceeding half of the current expenses it receives in the month for each month from the date of granting the loan until the expiration of three years from the date of convening the Knesset... the loan ... will be repaid in equal installments by deducting from the on-going party funding that the party receives in a month...

From the beginning of the fourth year of the Knesset until the determining date [the beggining of the elections period], a parliamentary party group may receive a loan in an amount not exceeding three times the on-going public funding it receives in a month ... A loan fund under this paragraph ... shall be repaid in equal installments by deduction of the on-going public funding that the party receives in a month.

Source: Article 7a-c, Parties Law, 1992.

25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns?
Code
Yes
Comment

Candidates may recieve loans from banks, under certain restrictions. They may also recieve loans from individuals (local and foreign), but such loans are considered as donations. An "eligible candidate" is entitled to receive full funding from the state - that is, the total amount of all the donations that he is entitled to raise (he is not allowed to raise funds at all). non-eligible candidate who participated in eligible primaries (that is, a candidate in such primaries whi is not MP or a member of the government) may recieve this amount as a loan fro the state; this loan will turn into a grant if the non-eligible candidate becomes a Knesset member after the elections or up to one year after the opening of the new Knesset. Under certain circumstances, even if that candidate has not become a Knesset member, part of the loan and will become a grant

Source

"a) A candidate may receive a loan from a banking corporation to finance his contesting in preliminary elections, provided that the repayment period shall not exceed one year and its amount shall not exceed half of the total ceiling of expenses under section 28h; if the amount of the loan does not exceed 50,000 NIS, the candidate is entitled to receive the loan even if the sum exceeds half of the overall ceiling as aforesaid; a candidate shall inform the banking corporation that the loan is intended to finance his contesting in preliminary elections and the overall ceiling of expenses permitted to him.

b) A candidate may receive a loan to finance his participation in preliminary elections only from someone who is entitled to contribute under this Chapter, and such loan of a single lender and his immediate household members or of those dependent on him from an economic standpoint will be in an amount not exceeding the permitted contribution, and will be considered as a donation.

c) The guarantee of a loan under this section shall be from a person who is entitled to contribute under this Chapter, and such guarantee of a single guarantor and of his immediate family members or of those dependent on him from an economic standpoint shall not exceed the amount of the permitted contribution, and will be considered as a donation."

Source: Article 28d1, Parties Law, 1992. 

"An "eligible candidate" shall be entitled to receive from the State Treasury a grant to finance his participation in eligible primary elections as stated in this section, in an amount not exceeding the full amount of the financing allowed."

Source: Article 28(34)(a), Parties Law, 1992.

"A candidate in preliminary "elegible elections" who is not an "eligible candidate"... will be entitled to receive a loan from the State Treasury to finance his running in the preliminary elections as stated in this section, in an amount not exceeding the amount of the financing allowed."

Source: Article 28(36)(a), Parties Law, 1992.

"A candidate who is not an "eligible candidate" who became a member of the Knesset on the day of the opening meeting or until the end of one year from that date in this section... will be entitled to receive from the State Treasury a grant to finance his contestingin eligible primary elections in an amount not exceeding the amount of the financing allowed."

Source: Article 28(37)(a), Parties Law, 1992.

"A candidate who is not an "eligible candidate" who was not a member of the Knesset on the day of the opening meeting, and the party in which he competed is represented in the Knesset, will be entitled to a partial grant to finance expenses that he issued in "eligible primaries" in an amount that the ratio between this amount and the amount of the financing allowed is equal to the ratio between the number of valid votes received by the candidate and the lowest number of valid votes received by a member of the Knesset, on the day of its opening meeting, among the candidates who competed against him [in the elegible primaries], provided that the ratio is not less than 0.6."

Source: Article 28(38)(a), Parties Law, 1992.

 

26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes?
Code
No
27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system?
Code
Yes
Comment

Parties are not wllowed to recieve donations in cash. Therefore, all donations have to go through the banking system. Candidates may recieve donations in cash up to 200 NIS from a donor. 

Source

"A party or prty group shall no receive, directly or indirectly, a contribution in cash."

Source: Article 8(d3), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

"A candidate will not receive from a donor, and a donor will not give a candidate a donation in cash worth more than 200 NIS."

Source: Article 28d(d), Parties Law, 1992. 

Question Value
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties?
Code
Yes, both regularly and in relation to campaigns
Source

"Every party group shall, in accordance with the provisions of this Law, be entitled to be financed for - its election expenses in the election period; its running expenses in every month from the month following the publication of the results of the elections to the Knesset until the month in which the results of the elections to the next Knesset are published."

Source: Article 2(a)(1-2), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding?
Code
  • Representation in elected body
  • Share of votes in next election
Comment

 In relation to campaign: Lists of candidates that were elected to the Knesset, or that received more than 1% of the valid votes but does not participate in the distribution of seats, recieve direct public funding.

In relation to regularly provided funding: Paties that are represented in the Knesset recieve regular funding.

Source

"Party group means one of the following: a) a party that was represented by a party group in the outgoing Knesset, submitted a list of candidates for the Knesset elections, and is represented in the Knesset by at least one representative; b) a party the representative or representatives of which in the Knesset has or have been recognized as a party group by the House Committee; c) a combination of two or more parties which maintain one party group in the Knesset.

Source: Article 1, Parties Financing Law, 1973

"Every party group shall, in accordance with the provisions of this Law, be entitled to be financed for - its election expenses in the election period; its running expenses in every month from the month following the publication of the results of the elections to the Knesset until the month in which the results of the elections to the next Knesset are published."

Source: Article 2(a)(1-2), Parties Financing Law, 1973

"A party group or a list of candidates that received more than 1% of the valid votes, but does not participate in the distribution of seats… is entitled to one funding unit."

Source: Article 2(a1), Parties Financing Law, 1973

30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding?
Code
Proportional to seats received
Comment

A public committee is to decide how much a 'funding unit' is worth in Israeli New Sheqel (Nis).

In relation to campaign funding, allocations for veterns parties are based on number of of MPs in the current and prior Knesset. For new parties, they are based on the number of seats in the current Knesset. Also parties that were not elected to the Knesset but recieve more than 1% of the votes recieve funding.

In relation to regular funding - allocations are based on the number of seats in the Knesset.

 

Source

In relation to campaign funding -

"The financing of the electoral expenses of a party group shall be according to the number of financing units received from the number of seats in which the party group won in the previous Knesset plus the number of seats in which the party group won in the new Knesset divided by two, plus an amount equal to one financing unit."

Source: Article 3(b), Parties Financing Law, 1973

"A new party group is entitled to one financing unit per seat won by the party group in the elections, plus an amount equal for one funding unit."

Source: Article 3(a)(1), Parties Financing Law, 1973

"a list of candidates that received more than 1% of the valid votes, but does not participate in the distribution of seats… is entitled to one funding unit."

Source: Article 2(a1), Parties Financing Law, 1973

In  relation to regular funding -

"The monthly financing of the on-going expenses to a party group will be 6% of one financing unit per Knesset mandate won by the party group in the Knesset elections, plus 6% of one financing unit."

Source: Article 3(c), Parties Financing Law, 1973

31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)?
Code
  • Campaign spending
  • Ongoing party activities
Comment

Parties are entitled to funding - both regularly provided funding and in relation to elections. The first type of funding should be used to finance the party's on-going activities, while the second - to finance its elections expenses. However, ןn practice there is only limited supervision that the money will indeed be used for the purposes for which they were intended.

Source

"Every party group shall, in accordance with the provisions of this Law, be entitled to be financed for - its election expenses in the election period; its running expenses in every month from the month following the publication of the results of the elections to the Knesset until the month in which the results of the elections to the next Knesset are published."

Source: Article 2(a)(1-2), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
Code
Yes
Comment

The law states that television broadcasts will take place on the channels of the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation. There is no similar rule regarding radio broadcasts - this is determined by the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee. Broadcasting for the parties is free.

Source

"The Chairman of the Central Elections Committee of the Knesset shall... determine the times to be allocated to each of the lists of candidates for the broadcast of election propaganda on the radio..."

Source: Article 15(a), Knesset Elections Law (Propaganda Methods), 1959

"The Chairman of the Central Elections Committee of the Knesset shall determine, after consultation with... and the Director General of Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, the times that will be dedicated to the broadcast of election propaganda on television..."

Source: Article 15(a), Knesset Elections Law (Propaganda Methods), 1959

 

33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
Code
Share of seats
Source

In relation to television -

"Each candidates’ lists will be given 7 minutes, and each candidates’ list already represented in the outgoing Knesset will receive 2 additiona minutes for each Member". 

Source: Article 15(b), Knesset Elections Law (Propaganda Methods), 1959

In relation to Radio -

"Each candidates’ lists will be given 15 minutes, and each candidates’ list already represented in the outgoing Knesset will receive 4 additiona minutes for each Member". 

Source: Article 15(a), Knesset Elections Law (Propaganda Methods), 1959

34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates?
Code
No
35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding?
Code
No
36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates?
Code
No
37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties?
Code
No
Question Value
38. Is there a ban on vote buying?
Code
Yes
Comment

There is a ban on vote buying both in the Knesset elections and in party primaries. The prohibitions relating to primaries are the same as those related to elections to other public bodies.

Source

In relation to Knesset elections:

"Anyone who does so shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of five years or a fine of 20,000 pounds: (1) The grantor or the offeror of a bribe in order to influence a voter to vote or abstain from voting, in general or for a particular list of candidate; (2) the recipient or the recipient of a bribe, himself or for another person, in order to vote or abstain from voting, in general or for a particular list of candidates."

Source: Article 122, Knesset Elections Law, 1969.

In relation to primaries:

"In the elections to Party's institutions, sections 8 to 12 of the Elections to Public Bodies Law shall apply."

Source: Article 23, Parties Law, 1992.

 

"A person who took one of the following elections: (1) gave or offered bribes to influence the voter - (a) to vote or abstain from voting, in general or for a particular list of candidates or for a particular candidate... or (2) received or agreed to accept a bribe, for himself or for another in exchange for his consent - (a) To vote or abstain from voting, in general or for a particular list of candidates or for a particular candidate... shall be liable to imprisonment for one year or a fine of one thousand pounds or both."

Source: Article 10(a), Elections to Public Bodies Law, 1954.

39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend?
Code
Yes
Comment

There are limits on the amount a party can spend - both in relation to elections and to its on-going activity.

Source

"...A party group or a new party group shall not make election expenses in an amount exceeding seventy financing units."

Source: Article 7(b), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

A party group shal not,l for one year, make on-going expenses in an amount exceeding 160% of the amount it entitled to for the financing of its on-going expenses... or in an amount exceeding 160% of the amount that a party group with five members of the Knesset is entitled to, whichever is greater."

Source: Article 7(d), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit?
Code
Not applicable
Comment

The law states a ceiling for campaign and on-going spendings to parties - according to their size and (in case of campaign spending) seniority.

Source

"b) Subject to the provisions of subsection (c), a party group or a new party group shall not make election expenses in an amount exceeding seventy financing units; c) (1) A party group which on the determining day numbered no more than five members of the Knesset, shall not make election expenses in an amount exceeding ten financing units; (2) A party group which on the determining day numbered more than five Knesset members but less than eleven, shall not make election expenses in an amount exceeding two times the amount of one financing unit for each member of the Knesset in that party group; (3) A party group which on the determining day shall consist of eleven or more members of the Knesset, shall not make election expenses in an amount exceeding twice the amount of one financing unit for each of the first ten Knesset members and one and a half from one financing unit for each of the remaining Knesset Members; (4) A list of candidates shall not spend election expenses in an amount exceeding ten financing units or the amount according to paragraphs (2) or (3), in accordance with the number of mandates it has won, whichever is higher; d) A party group shal not,l for one year, make on-going expenses in an amount exceeding 160% of the amount it entitled to for the financing of its on-going expenses... or in an amount exceeding 160% of the amount that a party group with five members of the Knesset is entitled to, whichever is greater."

Source: Article 7, Parties Financing Law, 1973.

41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend?
Code
Yes
Comment

There are liits on the amount a candidate can spend in relation to primaries ("eligible primaries" as well as non-eligible) - there are no such limits with regard to its on-going activity.

Source

"A candidate shall not receive contributions to finance his running in the primaries and shall not make expenses, at a total value exceeding the amounts detailed below, according to the number of eligible voters in those preliminary elections."

Source: Article 28h(a)07, Parties Law, 1992.

"A candidate in an "eligible primaries" shall not make expenses in a total value exceeding the amounts specified below, according to the number of eligible voters in those preliminary elections... to finance his running in the primaries."

Source: Article 28(32), Parties Law, 1992.

42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit?
Code
Not applicable
Comment

A candidate can spend according to a ceiling that is formed by a mechanism that is defined by the number of voters that participated in the primaries and the position the candidate is after, with different ceilings for "eligible primaries" and other primaries.

Source

"a) A candidate shall not receive contributions to finance his running in the primaries and shall not make expenses, at a total value exceeding the amounts detailed below, according to the number of eligible voters in those preliminary elections: (1) up to 50 [eligible voters] : For expenses - 5,690 NIS; (2) 51 to 9,999  - 5,690 NIS and 15 NIS for each voter over 50 voters; (3) 10,000 to 99,999 - 176,210 NIS and 2.75 NIS for each voter over 10,000 voters; (4) 100,000 and above - 460,420 NIS and another 2 NIS per voter over 100,000 voters; b) In the preliminary elections in which a candidate run for the post of chairman of the party... and less than 50,000 voters are eligible, the amount for the purposes of subsection (a) shall be two times the amounts specified therein; If the number of holders of the right to vote is at least 50,000, such amount shall be four times the amounts specified in subsection (a)."

Source: Article 28h, Parties Law, 1992.

"a) candidate in an "eligible primaries" shall not make expenses in a total value exceeding the amounts specified below, according to the number of eligible voters in those preliminary elections... to finance his running in the primaries: (1) Up to 50 [eligible voters]: With respect to donations - 0 NIS...; (2) 51 to 4,999 - 4,000 NIS and NIS 9 for each voter over 50 voters; (3) 5,000 to 9,999 - 50,000 NIS and another NIS 11 per voter over 5,000 voters;(4) 10,000 to 99,999 - 120,000 NIS 2 NIS per voter over 10,000 voters; (5) 100,000 and above - 320,000 NIS."

Source: Article 28(32), Parties Law, 1992.

43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities?
Code
Yes, spending limit exists Yes, spending limit for party/candidate includes spending by other on their behalf
Comment

The Parties Financing Law addresses "organizations linked to parties", which can be seen as an extension of the party. Each expenditure of those related organization are then considered as party expenditure. The law also addresses "and active boגy in elections",  which works for a specific candidate list but is not directly related to it. The elections expenses of this body are not limited, but if it spends more than a certain amount for election purposes, it must register for this purpose at the State Comptroller, and restrictions are imposed on contributions to this body.

Source

"Organization linked to a party - a group of people either united or not, that participates in the electoral campaign or in ongoing party activity . They will be seen as an extension of the party considering all or some of this characteristics: its objectives, owner identity, its board and members, the revenues allocations and the financial sources to cover losses."

Source: Article 1, Parties Financing Law, 1973.

"Any expenditure of organizations linked to parties will be considered as a party expenditure".

Source: Article 10a(a), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

 

 

44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?
Code
No
Comment

There are no special limitations on media advertising spending - such expenses are considered as part of the total expenses of parties, candidates or third-party actors, which are indeed limited.

45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?
Code
No
Comment

There are no special limitations on on-line media advertising spending - such expenses are considered as part of the total expenses of parties, candidates or third-party actors, which are indeed limited.

46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist?
Code
Yes
Comment

In the Law itself (Elections Law (Advertising Methods), 1959), in the context of Internet advertising, appear only restrictions relating to the publication of surveys, that are intended to ensure that the publication would not be misleading. In addition, according to  the Central Elections Committee ruling, the requirement of the law that election propaganda which is published at the initiative of a party must bear the name or nickname of the party - applies also to publications on the Internet.

Question Value
47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances?
Code
Yes
Comment

parties have to report to the State Comptroller on donations shortly after a donations was made, and in addition to submit an annual report.

Source

"No later than May 1, after the end of each financial year, the representatives of a party group or list of candidates shall submit to the State Comptroller their accounts for that year."

Source: Article 10(c), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

"A party group or party will publish the names of the donors and the amounts of donations, as instructed by the State Comptroller."

Source: Article 8(f), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

"A party group will report through the system for reporting donations [in the State Comptroller's website] any contribution received immediately upon receipt thereof and no later than one working day from its acceptance."

Source: Article 32(c), State Comptroller Guidlines according to Party Financing Law Concerning Managing the Financial Affairs of a Party Parliamentary Group, 2009.

48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances?
Code
Yes
Source

"Within 16 weeks of the date on which the election results are published, the representatives of a party group or candidate list shall submit to the State Comptroller their accounts for the election period."

Source: Article 10(a), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances?
Code
Yes
Comment

Candidates have to report to the State Comptroller on donations shortly after a donations was made, and in addition to submit a report after the primaries.

Source

"A candidate shall report Sthe tate Comptroller of any contribution received from a donor and any contribution that he has returned to the donor within 14 days from the day he received or refunded the donation. However, during the period starting on the 14th day before the day of the primaries and ending on the 4th day after the primaroes, the candidate should report no later than 24 hours from the date of the receipt or return of the contribution."

Source: Article 28u(a), Parties Law, 1992.

"A candidate shall submit to the State Comptroller, no later than six weeks after the date of the primaries, a financial report on his income and expenses due to the primaries and the assets and liabilities for these elections."

Source: Article 28v(a)(1), Parties Law, 1992.

50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances?
Code
Yes
Comment

The rules applicable to "organizations linked to parties" are the same as the rules applicable to parties. The rules that apply to "active body in elections" are similar but not identical.

Source

"For the purposes of section 8 - (1) a contribution received by an organization linked to a party shall be seen as recieved by that party."

Source: Article 10a(b), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

"Party group - as defined in the law, including "list of candidates" and "organization linked to a party "as defined in the Law."

Source: Article 1, State Comptroller Guidlines according to Party Financing Law Concerning Managing the Financial Affairs of a Party Parliamentary Group, 2009

"When the accounts of a party group are submitted under section 10, the accounts of each such body [organization linked to a party] shall also be submitted."

Source: Article 10a(c), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

"An active body in the elections shall publish on its website or on a website determined by the State Comptroller, and according to the instructions of the State Comptroller, any contribution received from a donor and any contribution that he has returned to the donor or transferred to the State Treasury within 14 days of receiving the donation; However, during the election period, an active body shall publish such information within seven days."

Source: Article 10(g), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

"An active body in the elections shall submit to the State Comptroller, within the period stated in section 10 (a) or (f) [this sections deals with reports submitted by parties], a report on the set of accounts that he conducted during the period in which he acted as such body until the date of delivery of the report."

Source: Article 10(j), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

 

51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public?
Code
Sometimes
Comment

Information on contributions to parties or candidates, which appears in the reports they submit, must be published according to the law. In addition, the State Comptroller must hand over - to the Chairman of the Knesset and other officials - a report that examines the parties financial information. There is no requirement to make the State Comptroller's reports public, but in fact all of them are published on its website. In addition, many of the reports submitted by the parties themselves (possibly all reports submitted) are also published in the website of the Parties Registrar.

Source

"A candidate shall report Sthe tate Comptroller of any contribution received from a donor and any contribution that he has returned to the donor within 14 days from the day he received or refunded the donation. However, during the period starting on the 14th day before the day of the primaries and ending on the 4th day after the primaroes, the candidate should report no later than 24 hours from the date of the receipt or return of the contribution. The State Comptroller shall publish the information as stated in this subsection upon its receipt."

Source: Article 28u(a), Parties Law, 1992.

"A party group that has a website will publish, within seven days from the day it received a donation equal to at least 1,000 NIS or more, the name of the donor, his place of residence and the amount of the donation... A party group shall publish in Reshumot within 30 days from the end of the month in whichTte election results were published, the details of each donation worth at least 1,000 NIS or more."

Source: Articles 35-36, State Comptroller Guidlines according to Party Financing Law Concerning Managing the Financial Affairs of a Party Parliamentary Group, 2009.

"a) Within 16 weeks from the date on which the election results are published, the representatives of a party group or candidate list shall submit to the State Comptroller their accounts for the election period ... b) Within 22 weeks after receiving the accounts mentioned in subsection (a), the State Comptroller shall deliver to the Chairman of the Knesset an account of the audit results.... c) No later than May 1, after the end of each financial year, the representatives of a party group or list of candidates shall submit to the State Comptroller their accounts for that year...d) No later than October 1 each year, the State Comptroller shall submit to the Chairman of the Knesset a report on the results of the audits of the accounts mentioned in subsection (c)."

Source: Article 10(a-d), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

"28v(a)(1) A candidate shall submit to the State Comptroller, no later than six weeks after the date of the pimariesr a financial report on his income and expenses due to the preliminary elections ... 28x(a) Within 12 weeks of the last date under section 28 for submission of reports, the State Comptroller shall submit to the Chairman of the Knesset, the Parties Registrar and the Party's Audit Institute a report on the audit of the party's electoral system in the primaries."

Source: Article 28v(a)(1)-28x(a), Parties Law, 1992.

52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors?
Code
Yes
Comment

Reports from both parties and candidates must reveal the identity of donors.

Source

In relation to parties -

"The following appendices shall be attached to the financial report: (1) a list of donors that will include the name of each donor, his identity card number, his address and the amount of his contribution."

Source: Articles 30-30(1), State Comptroller Guidlines according to Party Financing Law Concerning Managing the Financial Affairs of a Party Parliamentary Group, 2009.

In relation to candidates -

"The financial statements shall... include also these appendices: (1) A final list of donors is correct as of the date of delivery of the the financial report."

Source: Articles 30(c)-30(c)(1), State Comptroller Guidlines according to Parties Law Concerning Managing Financial Affairs and Reporting in Primaries,2008.

 

53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income?
Code
Yes
Comment

In relation to parties -

"The following appendices shall be attached to the financial report: (1) a list of donors that will include the name of each donor, his identity card number, his address and the amount of his contribution... (5) Details of loans received by the party group... (6) Details of the guarantees provided in favor of the party group."

Source: Articles 30-30(6), State Comptroller Guidlines according to Party Financing Law Concerning Managing the Financial Affairs of a Party Parliamentary Group, 2009.

 

In relation to candidates -

"The financial statements shall... include also these appendices: (1) A final list of donors is correct as of the date of delivery of the the financial report... (2) Details of the candidate's income that are not donations."

Source: Articles 30(c)-30(c)(2), State Comptroller Guidlines according to Parties Law Concerning Managing Financial Affairs and Reporting in Primaries,2008.

54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending?
Code
Yes
Comment

Within the forms to be submitted by party froups and candidates to the State Comptroller there is a breakdown of the various types of expenditures (employing employees, hiring service providers, rent, office equipment, car and travel, advertising, telephones, conferences, financing expenses, and other expenses), and they must fill out the amount of money they spent on each type.

55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates?
Code
Auditing agency
Source

a) ...the representatives of a party group or candidate list shall submit to the State Comptroller their accounts for the election period ...  c) No later than May 1, after the end of each financial year, the representatives of a party group or list of candidates shall submit to the State Comptroller their account forthatyear."

Source: Article 10(a-c), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

"A candidate shall submit to the State Comptroller, no later than six weeks after the date of the pimariesr a financial report on his income and expenses due to the preliminary elections."

Source: Article 28v(a), Parties Law, 1992.

56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations?
Code
Auditing agency
Comment

"a) Within 16 weeks from the date on which the election results are published, the representatives of a party group or candidate list shall submit to the State Comptroller their accounts for the election period ... b) Within 22 weeks after receiving the accounts mentioned in subsection (a), the State Comptroller shall deliver to the Chairman of the Knesset an account of the audit results.... c) No later than May 1, after the end of each financial year, the representatives of a party group or list of candidates shall submit to the State Comptroller their accounts for that year...d) No later than October 1 each year, the State Comptroller shall submit to the Chairman of the Knesset a report on the results of the audits of the accounts mentioned in subsection (c)."

Source: Article 10(a-d), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

"28v(a)(1) A candidate shall submit to the State Comptroller, no later than six weeks after the date of the pimariesr a financial report on his income and expenses due to the preliminary elections ... 28x(a) Within 12 weeks of the last date under section 28 for submission of reports, the State Comptroller shall submit to the Chairman of the Knesset, the Parties Registrar and the Party's Audit Institute a report on the audit of the party's electoral system in the primaries."

Source: Article 28v(a)(1)-28x(a), Parties Law, 1992.

57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations?
Code
Carry out investigation Request additional information from potential violator Impose sanctions
Comment

The State Comptroller is entitled to impose fines on parties for prohibited contributions, or to deny some of parties' funding due to improper financial statements. As part of its general powers vis-à-vis bodies it reviews, the State Comptroller can conduct investigations and require parties to disclose to him any information concerning their conduct.

Source

In relation to parties -

"b) The aforesaid set of accounts and bank accounts shall be subject to the audit of the State Comptroller, and for this purpose the State Comptroller shall have all the powers granted to him in respect of an entity audited by a Basic Law or by law or pursuant to it."

Source: Article 9(b), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

"If the State Comptroller finds that a party group or party has received a contribution contrary to this section, the party group shall, on the date set by the State Comptroller, transfer to the State Treasury an amount equal to twice the amount of the contribution; However, the State Comptroller may determine that the party or party must transfer to the State Treasury a smaller sum if it deems it appropriate to act accordingly, taking into account the circumstances of the case."

Source: Article 8(e)(1), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

"Within 16 weeks of the date on which the election results are published, the representatives of a party group or list of candidates shall submit to the State Comptroller their accounts for the election period. If they had not done so, and the State Comptroller shall inform the Chairman of the Knesset that, in his opinion, there was no reasonable justification for their failure, the Chairman of the Knesset shall order that no payment under this Law be paid to that group or list of candidates until the State Comptroller announces that he has been presented with accounts and that the faction or list of candidates...; If the State Comptroller announces that he has been presented with accounts after the Chairman of the Knesset has given such a directive, the payment to the party or to the list of candidates shall be paid... less an amount to be recommended by the State Comptroller not to exceed 15% of the payment due to it..."

Source: Article 10(a), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

In relation to candidates - 

"The system of accounts as stated in section 28c shall be subject to the audit of the State Comptroller, and for this purpose the State Comptroller shall have all the powers vested in him in a Basic Law or in a law or pursuant thereto in respect of an audited body."

Source: Article 28w(a), Parties Law, 1992.

"If the State Comptroller finds that a candidate has made one of these, the candidate shall, within thirty days from the date on which the State Comptroller has notified him, transfer to the State Treasury the following amount, as the case may be:"

Source: Article 28y1(a), Parties Law, 1992.

 

58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions?
Code
  • Fines
  • Prison
  • Loss of public funding
Source

In relation to parties -

"Whoever commits one of the following shall be liable to one year's imprisonment..."

Source: Article 9a, Parties Financing Law, 1973.

"If the State Comptroller finds that a party group or party has received a contribution contrary to that stated in this section, the party group shall, on the date set by the State Comptroller, transfer to the State Treasury an amount equal to twice the amount of the contribution; However, the State Comptroller may determine that the party or party must transfer to the State Treasury a smaller sum if it deems it appropriate to act accordingly, taking into account the circumstances of the case." 

Source: Article 8(e), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

"a) Within 16 weeks of the date on which the election results are published, the representatives of a party group or list of candidates shall submit to the State Comptroller their accounts for the election period. If they had not done so, and the State Comptroller shall inform the Chairman of the Knesset that, in his opinion, there was no reasonable justification for their failure, the Chairman of the Knesset shall order that no payment under this Law be paid to that group or list of candidates until the State Comptroller announces that he has been presented with accounts and that the faction or list of candidates...; If the State Comptroller announces that he has been presented with accounts after the Chairman of the Knesset has given such a directive, the payment to the party or to the list of candidates shall be paid... less an amount to be recommended by the State Comptroller not to exceed 15% of the payment due to it."

Source: Article 10(a), Parties Financing Law, 1973.

In relaion to candidates - 

"If the State Comptroller finds that a candidate has made one of these, the candidate shall, within thirty days from the date on which the State Comptroller has notified him, transfer to the State Treasury the following amount, as the case may be:"

Source: Article 28y1(a), Parties Law, 1992.

"A person who commits one of the following shall be liable to imprisonment for six months or a fine as stated in section 61(a)(2) of the Penal Law."

Source: Article 24a(i), Parties Law, 1992.

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