Netanyahu And Sara Linked To Majority Of Israel PM Grooming Expenses, Records Show. (Img: Dynamite News)
Jerusalem: Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office spent nearly USD 470,000 on hair styling, makeup services and official representation expenses for the country’s leaders between 2019 and August 2026, newly released records show. The disclosure has triggered a political debate over taxpayer money, government transparency and spending priorities during periods of war and security challenges.
The data, released after a Freedom of Information request, has drawn global attention because a large share of the expenses was linked to Benjamin Netanyahu’s tenure, raising questions about how governments manage image-related costs for top leaders.
The documents released by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office reveal that public funds were used for professional styling services, official appearances and representation-related activities over several years.
The disclosure followed a request filed in December 2025 by attorney Yaara Winkler-Shalit, seeking details about expenses connected to Israel’s prime ministers. The records cover multiple administrations, including those of Benjamin Netanyahu, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, showing differences in spending patterns during their respective terms.
According to the released information, Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu accounted for around 90 per cent of the total hair and makeup expenses recorded during the period. The spending included professional hairstyling and makeup services used during official meetings, diplomatic events, international visits and public appearances.
However, officials clarified that the overall figure of nearly USD 470,000 was not limited to grooming expenses. It also included broader official representation costs, including clothing-related and hosting expenses for government events.
indian Some details, including the identities of personal hairstylists and makeup professionals, were removed from the documents. Authorities cited security considerations while withholding certain information related to the prime minister’s official arrangements.
The records show that spending increased during periods of major political developments and international engagements. Between September and November 2023, around the period when the Israel-Hamas war began, the government spent approximately USD 2,600 on hair styling and nearly USD 1,580 on makeup services for the prime minister.
In October 2023 alone, hair styling expenses reached around USD 810, according to the disclosed figures. The timing of the spending has attracted attention because Israel was simultaneously facing military operations, diplomatic pressure and a major security crisis.
The government data showed major differences in annual expenditure. Expenses related to hair, makeup and official representation reached nearly USD 103,000 in 2023, compared with around USD 27,600 in 2022 during the administrations of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid.
The highest spending was recorded in 2025, with total expenses reaching approximately USD 111,000. Officials attributed much of the increase to international travel and diplomatic engagements. A February 2025 visit to Washington reportedly involved around USD 13,500 in styling and makeup-related expenses, while a July 2024 Washington trip accounted for nearly USD 11,500.
The records also revealed separate official representation allowances, which include expenses linked to clothing and hosting during government events. Benjamin Netanyahu’s representation expenses were listed at around USD 134,000, while Naftali Bennett’s expenses stood near USD 19,000 and Yair Lapid’s at approximately USD 2,600.
The government did not provide details about jewellery, image consulting services or certain clothing expenses despite requests from the Movement for Freedom of Information.
The disclosure has sparked a wider discussion in Israel over government accountability, public spending and the role of image management in modern politics. Supporters argue that professional appearance and presentation are important for leaders representing the country during diplomatic meetings, international summits and media interactions.
Critics, however, have questioned whether such expenses are appropriate, particularly during times of conflict, economic pressure and national security challenges. The controversy reflects a broader global debate about balancing diplomatic representation requirements with responsible use of taxpayer funds.
The release of the records could lead to increased scrutiny of government expense policies and demands for greater transparency from political leaders. Israeli authorities may face further questions over how representation budgets are approved, monitored and disclosed in the future. The issue is expected to remain part of the ongoing debate over political accountability and public spending in Israel.
