Salary, bonus and millions in the future: what the former interior minister will get from Shas at his new job
Former Interior Minister Moshe Arbel (Shas), appointed chairman of the board of directors of the company 'Mehadrin', will receive 100,000 shekels gross per month for working at 80% of a full-time position. Including bonus and options, his compensation could cost the company 3.4 million shekels per year. The package must be approved by the shareholders' meeting in mid-September.
Former Interior Minister Moshe Arbel (Shas), appointed in May 2026 as chairman of the board of directors of the company 'Mehadrin', will receive 100,000 shekels gross per month for working at 80% of a full-time position. Including bonus and other payments, his compensation could cost the company 3.4 million shekels per year, the economic daily 'Calcalist' reported on Thursday, August 6. The compensation package must be approved by Mehadrin's shareholders' meeting, scheduled for mid-September. Arbel's new salary significantly exceeds his income in politics: as a Knesset member he earned 49,000 shekels gross per month, and as a minister – 55,000. Arbel left the government along with other Shas ministers in July last year, and in May he resigned his parliamentary mandate. In addition to the base salary, Arbel will be able to receive an annual bonus of up to 900,000 shekels – equivalent to nine monthly salaries. The payment will depend on meeting targets set by the board of directors. The company will also grant Arbel 45,000 options with a total value of 3 million shekels. An option gives the right to buy a company share in the future at a predetermined price. Arbel will receive this right gradually – in 12 equal quarterly installments over four years. The first four installments will allow him to buy shares at 299.4 shekels, the last four – at 315 shekels. For comparison: before the decision, Mehadrin's share was worth 286.4 shekels. Therefore, currently the options do not yield a profit. Arbel will be able to earn from them only if the market price of the shares rises above the purchase price set for him. His income will be the difference between these prices. Mehadrin's maximum annual expenses for Arbel will reach 3.4 million shekels if he receives the full bonus. About 1.7 million shekels of this amount goes to salary and related company expenses, 900,000 – to the bonus, and about 750,000 – to options. If Arbel leaves the position within the first year, he is entitled to a severance payment of 300,000 shekels. If he finishes later, it will increase to 600,000. Moshe Arbel is 42 years old. He represented Shas in the Knesset since 2019, holding the posts of Minister of Health and Minister of Interior. In his resignation statement from parliament, Arbel explained his decision by a desire to devote more time to family, Torah study, and academic education. Shortly after, he headed Mehadrin. The company is engaged in growing, packing, and selling agricultural products, primarily avocados, dates, and citrus fruits. It also provides cold storage services and supplies water to farmers. 61.4% of Mehadrin's shares belong to the Delek Group. It acquired control of the company in July 2023 at a valuation of 560 million shekels. Currently, Mehadrin's market value on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange reaches 961 million shekels.