In first, TA’s US embassy hosts auction

If you’ve ever wanted to eat at the same table or sleep in the same bed as a high state official, this may be your chance. The United States Embassy in Israel is holding its first online auction, offering thousands of items — from home and office furnishings to a scooter and even a Subaru car — on sale to the public, the Ynet news website reported.

All the items are being offered for sale directly via online auction.

Dining room sets and beds from the home of Ambassador Dan Shapiro and other embassy officials are available, as well as office equipment such as computers, printers and surveillance equipment used in the American embassy.

By American law the goods, which are the property of the United States government, must be offered for sale to the public once they wear out or are replaced. Until recently, the US embassy sold most of its used items to agents who would take a commission and sell them to the public. This marks the first time the embassy is selling the items directly to the Israeli public.

Interested prospective buyers may visit the online catalog, which features photos of all the items being offered for sale, and place their bids.

May the best man or woman win.