From the Liveblog of
Sunday, August 18, 2024
Netanyahu spent $6,275,421 on overseas trips in 2023
Newly released information shows that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spent $6,275,421 of taxpayer money on overseas trips in 2023.
The information is obtained after the Freedom of Information Movement sues to obtain the details.
According to the details, Netanyahu traveled with his wife Sara and an entourage of between 25 to 36 people on a series of official trips to Paris, Rome, Berlin, London and the US.
His US trip saw him make stops in New York and San Francisco.
There was no breakdown on the makeup of the costs, but since last month the prime minister has been able to use a dedicated aircraft, Israel’s version of Air Force One, and not had to charter a plane from an airline company.
In comparison, former prime minister Naftali Bennett spent some $3.5 million on trips in 2021-2022.
In response to the release, Netanyahu’s office said the costs included the flights and hotel stays for the delegation and security teams and were all approved in accordance with the law by the relevant accounting teams.
The statement notes that flights were ordered through a tender and that hotels were chosen by a professional team in the Foreign Ministry.
The Times of Israel Community.