Senior legal officials say Netanyahu ‘abusing state institutions’ by remaining in Balfour residence

Senior legal officials are reported to sharply criticize opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu for remaining in the prime minister’s official residence and holding meetings there, even though he is no longer prime minister:

“Netanyahu is abusing state institutions,” Channel 13 quotes officials as saying.

According to the officials, however, there is no legal provision that can prevent him from hosting guests or even dignitaries at the residence.

With the agreement of new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Netanyahu will not leave the official residence for several more weeks at least, Channel 12 reported Monday.

Yesterday, Netanyahu hosted former US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and Christians United for Israel founder John Hagee on Monday at the official residence.

Time with Prime Minister @netanyahu is always invaluable.  His contributions to Israeli security and prosperity are historic. We have not heard the last from him. pic.twitter.com/RX9PVzVl64

— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) June 14, 2021

The Crime Minister protest group meanwhile says it will petition the High Court against Netanyahu remaining in the residence if he is not gone by June 21, two weeks after Bennett took office.