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Photo: Reuters
Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu during Thatcher funeral
Photo: Reuters

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.

 

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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.


ראש הממשלה ורעייתו שרה בהלוויה של תאצ'ר. הטיסה עלתה ביוקר (צילום: רויטרס)

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."

 

 

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פרסום ראשון: 05.11.13, 19:43
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