Billionaire Ronald Lauder Claims Sara Netanyahu Asked for $25,000
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Billionaire Ronald Lauder, President of the World Jewish Congress, revealed in an interview that Sara Netanyahu requested $25,000 for their son Yair's bar mitzvah in 2004, a request he refused. Lauder, who was once a close friend of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, also claims Sara Netanyahu asked for $15,000 in cosmetics on his account. He expressed deep disappointment with Netanyahu and the current political direction of Israel, stating his concern for the country's future and its relationship with global Jewish communities.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ronald Lauder claims Sara Netanyahu asked him for $25,000 for their son Yair's bar mitzvah in 2004.
- Lauder also alleges Sara Netanyahu requested $15,000 in cosmetics on his tab.
- The World Jewish Congress President believes Benjamin Netanyahu became "political" and distanced himself due to his wife.
- Lauder criticizes Israel's political landscape and fears loss of support from global Jewish communities.
- Lauder's last conversation with Netanyahu was three years ago, expressing disappointment.
- Lauder's friendship with Netanyahu began in the 1980s in New York.
Ronald Lauder, the 82-year-old billionaire heir to the Estee Lauder cosmetics empire and President of the World Jewish Congress, has revealed details about his decades-long relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara. In an extensive interview with Haaretz magazine, Lauder, who has an estimated net worth of $5.4 billion and close ties to world leaders, described how his friendship with Netanyahu began in the 1980s when Netanyahu was a diplomat in New York.
Lauder stated that he initially saw Netanyahu as a "very smart guy" and became a close friend, even helping him improve his public speaking skills and introducing him to American election advisor Arthur Finkelstein. However, Lauder believes the relationship soured as Netanyahu became more "political" in Israel, shifting from an "open Bibi" to a "political Bibi" eager to become a key figure in the Likud party.
During this period, Lauder claims Sara Netanyahu made financial requests. He alleges that in 2004, she asked him for a $25,000 gift for their son Yair Netanyahu's bar mitzvah, which he refused. In another instance, according to his associates, she requested $15,000 worth of cosmetics on his tab, a request he also declined. Lauder felt Netanyahu distanced himself from him partly due to his wife's influence.
Lauder also expressed strong criticism of Israel's political landscape, citing internal disputes and the roles of ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. He fears that Israel is losing the support of global Jewish communities and is concerned about the country's future direction. Lauder explained his decision to break his silence after decades by stating he could no longer stand by idly, emphasizing that Israel's well-being is more important than his personal relationship with the Prime Minister.
Lauder revealed that his last conversation with Netanyahu was three years ago. Despite their long-standing friendship, he expressed deep disappointment with the Prime Minister and the current trajectory of the nation.