Report Alleges Netanyahu Family Benefited From Public Funds for Private Renovations
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
An investigative report alleges that deliberate delays in renovating the Prime Minister's official residence in Balfour Street allowed public funds to be used for private Netanyahu family properties. The report details millions of shekels spent on four private homes, including excessive renovation costs and unauthorized work. A 2024 State Comptroller report also noted similar issues with delays and public spending on alternative residences. The article also criticizes Prime Minister Netanyahu's campaign against Arab political parties.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Investigative report alleges deliberate delays in Balfour residence renovations to fund Netanyahu family's private homes.
- Millions of shekels in public funds allegedly spent on security and renovations at four private Netanyahu properties.
- Report cites excessive costs, such as a 1.8 million shekel window, and unauthorized work at a Caesarea home.
- A 2024 State Comptroller report previously highlighted similar issues with Balfour delays and private accommodation expenses.
- Sara Netanyahu reportedly demands continued private residence work even if PM leaves office.
- Article also criticizes Netanyahu's alleged 'racist and dangerous' campaign against Arab political parties.
A "Uvda" (Studio Friday) investigative report has raised suspicions that renovations at the Prime Minister's official residence in Balfour Street were deliberately delayed. This alleged delay, according to the report, allowed public funds to be used for renovations and security upgrades at four private residences belonging to the Netanyahu family. The report suggests that as long as the Balfour residence remains uninhabitable, there is a justification for the state to fund alternative accommodations, including properties owned by the family, thereby enhancing their private assets.
According to the investigation, the four properties include a home in Caesarea, two in Jerusalem (one on Gaza Street adapted as an alternative residence, and another on HaPortzim Street), and a fourth undisclosed location in Jerusalem. Public funds are reportedly being used for security, protection, and renovations at these private homes. The report cites a former senior official who handled the residences, claiming deliberate delays were implemented to justify work on the Gaza Street and Caesarea homes.
The investigation also highlighted specific expenditures, such as an estimate of over 1.8 million shekels for a reinforced window at the Caesarea home following a drone incident, which the report suggests was excessive and possibly intended for other renovations. It also mentioned unauthorized wall work at the Caesarea property. Furthermore, the report claims that Sara Netanyahu is demanding that security and renovation work on private residences continue even if Benjamin Netanyahu leaves office.
The report draws a parallel to a 2024 State Comptroller's report, which also noted delays at Balfour leading to expenses for private accommodations and the deterioration or destruction of items purchased for the official residence. The current investigation adds allegations of family interference in renovation demands and expenditures exceeding professional needs, questioning whether the public has funded private property enhancements under the guise of necessity.
Separately, the article touches upon political discussions regarding the formation of a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, criticizing the disqualification of potential partnerships with Arab parties. It argues that Arab citizens are integral to Israel and their representatives should not require Netanyahu's approval to participate in the democratic process, calling Netanyahu's delegitimization campaign against them racist and dangerous.
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