Israeli Freedom of Information Group Reveals PM Residence Expenses Totaling 2.7 Million Shekels

The Freedom of Information Movement disclosed detailed expenses for the official and private residences of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for 2025 and the first half of 2026. According to documents obtained from the Prime Minister's Office, total spending on the residences reached nearly 2 million shekels in 2025 and approximately 730,000 shekels in the first half of 2026.

Among the notable expenses were 165,444 shekels spent on food in 2025, nearly 95,000 shekels on gardening at Netanyahu's private home in Caesarea, and 2,700 shekels on food delivery orders via Wolt during August 2025 alone. Additionally, about 15,000 shekels were spent on replacing a bathtub at the private residence on Gaza Street. For the first time, the Gaza Street home was officially classified as a "private residence" in the expense reports, alongside other private residences apart from the Caesarea home. The official Balfour residence in Jerusalem was listed as "support apartments" due to ongoing renovations.

Other expenses included preventive root treatment under the Caesarea house costing 10,590 shekels, electricity bills totaling 31,509 shekels, maintenance and upkeep expenses of 42,698 shekels, and thermostat replacements costing 4,657 shekels. Some expenditures amounting to 63,033 shekels were blacked out with no supplier or description provided.

Hidi Negev, CEO of the Freedom of Information Movement, criticized the lack of proactive transparency, stating that the information was only revealed following court petitions. He emphasized the importance of responsible and transparent public spending, especially amid the economic hardships faced by the Israeli public and the ongoing war. Negev called for regular and voluntary disclosure of such expenses to uphold public oversight and accountability.