Israeli Ministers' Foreign Travel Costs Revealed Amid Ongoing War
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Israeli Minister of Economy Nir Barkat spent over 5.7 million shekels on 30 foreign trips, totaling 160 days abroad during his term. Data compiled by journalist Hili Kern shows other ministers also traveled extensively, though costs varied and some data was not disclosed. The Movement for Freedom of Information criticized these trips during the ongoing war and economic crisis, questioning their necessity and the ministers' commitment.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Minister of Economy Nir Barkat spent over 5.7 million shekels on 30 foreign trips, totaling 160 days abroad.
- Minister of Transportation Miri Regev spent 1.3 million shekels on 16 trips, spending 122 days abroad.
- Minister of Social Affairs Haim Katz made 25 trips, but costs were not disclosed.
- Minister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman spent 750,000 shekels on eight trips, totaling 36 days abroad.
- Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli spent 29,700 shekels on six trips, totaling 25 days abroad.
- The Movement for Freedom of Information criticized ministers' travel during the war and economic crisis.
During the current Israeli government's term, which has been marked by an ongoing war, several ministers have undertaken foreign trips, with some journeys drawing criticism for their necessity and cost. Journalist Hili Kern compiled data on these travels, revealing significant expenditures and time spent abroad by various cabinet members. Minister of Economy Nir Barkat leads in both the number of trips and expenses, having undertaken 30 foreign journeys totaling 5,713,308 shekels and spending 160 days abroad. This occurred with nearly six months left in the term.
The data, sourced from the Movement for Freedom of Information, also highlights other ministers' travel. Minister of Social Affairs Haim Katz made 25 trips, but the cost was not disclosed as he did not provide the data. Minister of Transportation Miri Regev undertook 16 trips, spending 122 days abroad with total expenses of 1,348,933 shekels. Minister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman had eight trips, totaling 36 days abroad and costing 750,000 shekels. Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli made six trips, spending 25 days abroad for a total cost of 29,700 shekels.
Hidi Negev, Executive Director of the Movement for Freedom of Information, criticized the ministers' travel during the war and economic crisis. He noted that ministers spent over 80-120 days a year abroad, even while being part of the war cabinet, suggesting this reflects poorly on the government and that society will judge these actions.
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