Israeli Public Funds Lavish Trip for Prime Minister's Wife to Washington Conference

Prime Minister's wife Sara Netanyahu attended the "First Ladies" conference in Washington on March 24, 2026, an event organized by Melania Trump. The trip drew criticism in Israel, particularly as it occurred while Israelis were sheltering from Iranian missile attacks. Netanyahu's attendance and the blurring of lines between her private status and her elevated position, as presented by her husband's office, have been subjects of public debate. The Government Press Office covered her visit and speech, disseminating documentation to media and social networks as if she were leading an official diplomatic delegation.

According to a Ynet report, while not officially designated "First Lady," Netanyahu was invited by the White House due to the Prime Minister's Office's treatment of her in official publications. Her speech focused on her personal experiences, including her work as a child psychologist and the challenges her sons, Yair and Abner, faced due to their father's position. She spoke of "new challenges in every generation" and her children experiencing "humiliation and violence simply because they are the Prime Minister's children."

The public funding of Netanyahu's personal "delegations" for international events has been a recurring issue. In December 2018, a trip she led to Guatemala for the Foreign Ministry cost approximately NIS 200,000, with half allocated to her and her staff's expenses. This occurred despite then-Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit ruling that she had no special legal status, permitting her travel as a private citizen accompanying a Foreign Ministry delegation. The Prime Minister's Office stated that Netanyahu was invited as a guest of honor by the President and First Lady of Guatemala, receiving their highest honor, "The Rose of Peace," for the first time awarded to a leader's spouse.

Partial data released by the Prime Minister's Office on October 12, 2026, in response to a freedom of information request, revealed the cost of the Washington trip to the Israeli public. The office refused to disclose security costs, citing potential harm to national security and foreign relations, despite security costs of NIS 80,000 being revealed for the 2018 Guatemala trip. Meal costs were also not disclosed, with the office stating no request for accounting had been made. The total cost for the Washington delegation was at least NIS 140,000, with Netanyahu's personal expenses amounting to NIS 75,645. Her individual costs for accommodation ($12,000) and flights ($7,015) significantly exceeded those of other delegation members ($2,985 for hotels, $1,759 for flights). Additionally, only Netanyahu received expenses for vehicles ($3,150), a book ($750), a makeup artist ($750), and a photographer ($1,500), while other members apparently used public transport and managed their own needs.

In a video shared by journalist Uri Misgav, Netanyahu expressed her preference for her Washington hotel over Blair House, where she stays with her husband. The article suggests that most Israelis would likely object to funding such trips, especially given past controversies, such as her conviction for accepting benefits related to ordering chef meals.