Netanyahu's Medical Travel Costs Total Over $100,000
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
The Prime Minister's Office revealed that medical teams accompanying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 14 foreign trips since 2023 have cost approximately 386,000 shekels. This includes per diems, incidentals, and flights, with 2025 being the most expensive year. Political commentator Attila Somfalvi defended the practice, stating there was no issue. Previously, only a standard medical team traveled with the Prime Minister.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister's Office spent 386,000 shekels on medical teams for Netanyahu's foreign trips since 2023.
- The costs cover per diems, incidentals, and flights for medical staff on 14 journeys.
- 2025 was the most expensive year for these medical travel expenses.
- Dr. Herman Berkovitz leads the dedicated medical team, with a fixed annual cost.
- Political commentator Attila Somfalvi defended the expenditures, calling them acceptable.
The Prime Minister's Office has disclosed the expenses associated with medical teams accompanying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his overseas trips. Since 2023, the office has spent approximately 333,000 shekels on per diems and incidentals for medical staff on 14 foreign journeys, in addition to about 53,000 shekels for flights, bringing the total expenditure to 386,000 shekels. The year 2025 saw the highest spending, with costs reaching around 170,000 shekels.
These figures are separate from a fixed annual cost of 30,000 shekels plus VAT for the medical team's leader, Dr. Herman Berkovitz, and insurance reimbursements. Prior to 2023, only the regular medical staff from Unit 730, consisting of a doctor and a paramedic, traveled with the Prime Minister. Since the beginning of 2023, a dedicated medical team, led by Dr. Berkovitz, has been joining the flights.
While many on social media criticized Netanyahu for these expenses, political commentator Attila Somfalvi defended the practice, stating, "It's perfectly fine, there's no problem with it." The contract with Dr. Berkovitz began on January 1, 2023, costing 2,500 shekels per month plus VAT, totaling 30,000 shekels annually plus VAT. Insurance reimbursements for him were 24,510 shekels including VAT for the first two years of the contract, and 25,125 shekels including VAT per year for the subsequent two years.
