Prime Minister Naftali Bennett conceded on Wednesday that he should not have let the government foot the bill for the food ordered by his family members at their home in Ra'anana, despite such expenses being approved by law and legal advisers and in line with what prime minister residences should be allowed to get from the state.
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"I have always believed that listening to criticism does not belittle anyone. In fact, it is a privilege. My conduct was appropriate, but I am aware of the public sentiment," Bennett said. "That is why I told my staff that I should be charged from now on for all of my family's food-related expenses. I don't seek the money or prestige in being prime minister; I want to serve the people of Israel with all of what I have got, and that is what I will continue to do."
Earlier this month, various news outlets in Israel claimed that the family was taking advantage of their status by ordering food at the taxpayer's expense. As a result, the Prime Minister's Office released data showing that while the figures were indeed high, they were lower than having a cook on the payroll and in fact added up to less than his predecessor's food expenses for his household.
Bennett's family were able to order food on the government's dime because their home is the temporary official residence until the Prime Minister's Residence in Jerusalem undergoes renovations.
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