Israel Spends Millions on Prime Minister's Hair and Makeup

The Israeli government has spent approximately 1.43 million shekels (about $385,000 USD) on makeup and hairstyling for prime ministers, as well as representation expenses like clothing and hospitality, between early 2019 and August 2026. Data released by the Prime Minister's Office, following a Freedom of Information request, indicates that Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, account for about 90% of these grooming expenses.

Details for September, October, and November 2023 show significant spending, with 7,897 shekels allocated for the prime minister's hairstyling and 4,800 shekels for makeup during that period. One specific entry for October 2023 alone lists 2,457 shekels for the prime minister's hairstyling. In 2023, total grooming expenses reached about 312,000 shekels, a substantial increase from the 84,000 shekels spent in 2022, when Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid served as prime minister.

The highest annual grooming expenditure recorded was in 2025, totaling around 337,000 shekels. International travel also incurred considerable costs, with a February 2025 trip to Washington D.C. costing approximately $13,500 for a makeup artist and hairstylist. Another trip to Washington in July 2024 involved expenses of about $11,500 for similar services.

In addition to grooming costs, the data details representation allowances paid to prime ministers. Netanyahu received about 408,000 shekels in representation allowances during the period, compared to Bennett's 57,000 shekels and Lapid's 8,000 shekels, bringing the total for this category to approximately 473,000 shekels.

The Freedom of Information request, filed by the Movement for Freedom of Information, also sought data on jewelry, clothing, and appearance consulting costs, but this information was not provided. The movement's CEO criticized the Prime Minister's Office for repeatedly delaying responses to information requests regarding public fund usage, stating that such information is only obtained through legal petitions and emphasizing the public's right to oversight.