Israeli Ministers Took Numerous Trips Abroad During Last Term, Data Reveals

During the last term, several Israeli ministers undertook numerous trips abroad, with some journeys deemed necessary for their work while others drew criticism for being superfluous and a waste of public funds. Data obtained by the Movement for Freedom of Information highlights the extent of these travels.

Minister of Economy Nir Barkat led the list with 30 trips during his tenure, spending a total of 160 days abroad. The cost of these travels amounted to approximately 5.7 million shekels.

Following Barkat, Minister of Welfare Haim Katz made 25 trips, though the costs were not disclosed as he did not provide the figures. Minister of Transportation Miri Regev ranked third with 16 trips, accumulating 122 days abroad at a cost of over 1.3 million shekels.

Other ministers included in the data are Minister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman, who took 8 trips totaling 36 days and costing 750,000 shekels, and Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli, who made 6 trips over 25 days, costing approximately 29,700 shekels.

Hedi Negev, CEO of the Movement for Freedom of Information, criticized the travel, stating that even during wartime and economic crises, ministers spent significant time abroad, some exceeding 80-120 days annually. He questioned the judgment of ministers who were part of the security cabinet but frequently traveled, suggesting the public would pass judgment.