PM Residence Caretaker Suspected of Using Official Credit Card for Private Purchases

Israeli police are investigating suspicions that Effi Azulai, the caretaker of the Prime Minister's residence, along with another employee, used the residence's credit card for private expenses totaling tens of thousands of shekels. The investigation, conducted by the Lahav 433 unit, centers on allegations that the two purchased food and various products for their personal homes without authorization.

At least two employees reportedly witnessed the misuse. One employee, identified as Y, claimed that Azulai told him, "What you see stays between us." Another employee, L, has already testified to the police. According to a lawsuit filed by Y against the Prime Minister's Office, Y had informed the office's deputy director, Sigalit Gabay, about the suspected misuse months ago.

This case adds to previous controversies involving Azulai. About two years ago, he was convicted of unauthorized purchases at the residence, and seven months ago, police investigated allegations that he received benefits from a computer supplier working with the residence. Despite these issues, Azulai was reinstated as an external employee in the caretaker role.

Azulai denied the allegations, stating that he never used the residence's credit card for personal needs and that all purchases are closely supervised and transparent under the Prime Minister's Office accounting. Both the police and the Prime Minister's Office declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.