Lakhota
Diamond Member
JERUSALEM (AP) -- With Israeli elections looming and the region in turmoil, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu found himself once more enmeshed in a gossipy scandal on Tuesday: Israel's government watchdog released a report into alleged financial malfeasance at the prime minister's residence, while his wife faced criticism for pettiness and possible security breaches after complaining in a video about the shabbiness of the kitchen at their official Jerusalem residence.
The uproar jolted an election campaign in which Netanyahu's opponents have tried to portray him as enjoying a lavish lifestyle and being out of touch with the struggles of average Israelis. Netanyahu's allies angrily dismissed the allegations as part of a campaign to deflect attention from more serious issues over Israel's security challenges.
In its report, the state comptroller, an official watchdog agency, cited large sums of public money spent on food, furniture and gardening at the couple's official residence and their private home in the exclusive coastal city of Caesarea. It also said the couple pocketed proceeds from recycling bottles that had been purchased for entertaining guests.
The Netanyahus are no strangers to such scrutiny. The prime minister has long been saddled with an image as a cigar-smoking, cognac-drinking socialite, while his wife has come under fire for her own expensive tastes and alleged abusive behavior toward staff.
The Netanyahus accuse the Israeli media of a longstanding witch hunt against them. In a statement, Netanyahu said he respects the findings of the comptroller and pledged to implement recommendations to curb wasteful spending. At the same time he lashed out at the "ongoing media campaign" aimed at toppling him from power.
More: Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu Faces New Scandal Over Alleged Lavish Expenses
Why does the U.S. still give Israel $4 billion in yearly aid?
The uproar jolted an election campaign in which Netanyahu's opponents have tried to portray him as enjoying a lavish lifestyle and being out of touch with the struggles of average Israelis. Netanyahu's allies angrily dismissed the allegations as part of a campaign to deflect attention from more serious issues over Israel's security challenges.
In its report, the state comptroller, an official watchdog agency, cited large sums of public money spent on food, furniture and gardening at the couple's official residence and their private home in the exclusive coastal city of Caesarea. It also said the couple pocketed proceeds from recycling bottles that had been purchased for entertaining guests.
The Netanyahus are no strangers to such scrutiny. The prime minister has long been saddled with an image as a cigar-smoking, cognac-drinking socialite, while his wife has come under fire for her own expensive tastes and alleged abusive behavior toward staff.
The Netanyahus accuse the Israeli media of a longstanding witch hunt against them. In a statement, Netanyahu said he respects the findings of the comptroller and pledged to implement recommendations to curb wasteful spending. At the same time he lashed out at the "ongoing media campaign" aimed at toppling him from power.
More: Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu Faces New Scandal Over Alleged Lavish Expenses
Why does the U.S. still give Israel $4 billion in yearly aid?