Nearly 2.7 Million Shekels Spent on Netanyahu Residences Amid Partial Secrecy Over Expenses

The Israeli government spent nearly 2.7 million shekels between 2025 and the first half of 2026 on operating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's official and private residences, including staff salaries, according to data released following a court-ordered Freedom of Information request. The expenditures cover the Jerusalem residence on Azza Street, the private home in Caesarea (currently under renovation after a Hezbollah drone attack in October 2024), and the official residence on Balfour Street, which is undergoing extensive renovations.

In 2025, total expenses reached approximately 1.98 million shekels, with about 508,000 shekels allocated to maintenance and operations and 1.47 million to salaries. The first half of 2026 saw additional spending of 731,000 shekels. Notable costs included nearly 165,000 shekels on food purchases in 2025 and almost 95,000 shekels on gardening at the Caesarea home. Maintenance expenses revealed two bathtub replacements within 13 months costing around 28,500 shekels and root treatment under the Caesarea house totaling over 14,000 shekels.

The data also showed 34 food delivery orders via Wolt from the Azza Street residence between July and October 2025, costing nearly 5,000 shekels. On June 16, 2025, there were 76 separate food-related purchases totaling over 9,500 shekels, though supplier names and some expense details were blacked out citing national security concerns. Overall, about 45% of maintenance and operational expenses in 2025 were linked to suppliers whose identities were concealed, with similar patterns continuing into 2026.

The Prime Minister's Office noted that some expenses are still under legal review and that the data provided may not be final. The Freedom of Information Movement criticized the partial secrecy and the refusal to release invoices, arguing for greater transparency, especially given the country's economic challenges and ongoing conflict. The Prime Minister's Office responded that Netanyahu's residence expenses are significantly lower than those of previous prime ministers, citing former PM Naftali Bennett's higher costs during a comparable period.

The Freedom of Information Movement plans to appeal the denial of invoice disclosure to the Administrative Court, emphasizing the need for public oversight of government spending.