Jerusalem: It’s no state secret that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara enjoy life’s little luxuries.
Just in the past three years, Netanyahu has drawn withering front-page coverage for dipping into the state treasury for a $US2700-a-year gourmet ice cream habit. Or for ordering a double bed for a five-hour plane ride to London. That cost taxpayers $US127,000.
Sara Netanyahu, too, has come under scrutiny for her penchant for pink champagne – a former caretaker, who recently sued the couple for abusive treatment, claimed the first lady would polish off several bottles of bubbly in a day. And she drew ridicule in 2015 for a campaign video with a celebrity interior designer in which she kvetches about the dingy drapes of the couple’s official residence on Balfour Street.
Now the prime minister is in hot water again, seemingly over his and his family’s willingness to accept lavish gifts of Cuban cigars, French champagne and other exclusive items.
Read the full article by Ruth Eglash and William Booth at The Age.