Netanyahu drops demand for bedchamber on flights to Europe
Prime minister's bureau says following Channel 10 exposé that Netanyahu wasn't aware of costs of installing bedchamber on flight to London
Damage control: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is claiming that he was "unaware of the high costs of installing a bedchamber on a plane" after a Channel 10 exposé revealed the provision cost the Israeli taxpayer $127,000.
"When the prime minister learned of the costs, he issued an order not to install bedchambers on flights to Europe," a statement from the prime minister's bureau said.
Related stories:
- Netanyahu airplane bedchamber cost $127,000
- PM gets NIS 10,000 ice cream budget
- Netanyahu to meet Putin amid Syria missile worries
On Friday, Channel 10 reported that per Netanyahu's office's request, a special "bedchamber" was installed on the airplane which took the PM and his wife to Margaret Thatcher's funeral in London.
According to the report, the chamber included a double-bed and was surrounded by four walls to give the couple absolute privacy.
Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu at Thatcher's funeral (Photo: Reuters)
The airline received $427,000 for the flight, $127,000 of which were paid for the chamber and its complex installation, which required electricians, engineers, porters and additional workers. Teams were called in on Independence Day to meet Netanyahu's request.
The PM's office stated in response: "The flight was scheduled for midnight after a hectic day. The following day, the PM was supposed to represent the State of Israel.
"In light of this, it is appropriate that Israel's Prime Minister will be able to rest the night between such busy days."
- Receive Ynetnews updates
directly to your desktop
