Israeli PM's 'Kanaf Zion' Plane Costs Soar to Hundreds of Millions Amid Transparency Concerns

The Israeli Prime Minister's official aircraft, known as "Kanaf Zion," has cost the state hundreds of millions of shekels, according to partial data released by the Prime Minister's Office following a Freedom of Information request. The project, completed in December 2021, reportedly cost 364.91 million shekels, though it remains unclear if this figure includes the 76 million shekel purchase price of the plane from Australian airline Qantas. This amount contrasts sharply with previous estimates from the State Comptroller, which placed the total cost, including purchase, upgrades, conversion to a leaders' plane, communication and defense systems installation, and infrastructure, at approximately 729 million shekels.

After completion, the plane was kept in active preservation until August 2023 at a cost of 17.5 million shekels. Operational use began in September 2023, with projected operating costs between 2023 and 2025 totaling around 60 million shekels. In 2023 alone, operating expenses were 6.27 million shekels, rising sharply to 34.18 million shekels in 2024, which included fixed payments of 18.28 million, variable payments of 8.55 million, and one-time expenses of 7.35 million shekels for upgrades and purchases. Costs are expected to decrease to 18.67 million shekels in 2025, with 13.17 million in fixed and 5.5 million in variable payments, plus an unexplained one-time 9 million shekel component.

The Prime Minister's Office declined to disclose detailed costs per flight, including crew salaries, security, fuel, food, telecommunications, and insurance, citing national security concerns. Requests for information on ongoing maintenance costs, such as repairs, interior upkeep, design changes, and security enhancements, were also denied for the same reason.

Hidi Negev, CEO of the Freedom of Information Movement, criticized the lack of transparency, stating that operating "Kanaf Zion" is far more expensive than leasing a plane for the Prime Minister's use. He condemned the continued withholding of key cost details under the pretext of national security and vowed to continue pushing for full transparency.