Rights9/9/2026

Following the Petition, Prime Ministers’ Spending on Personal Appearance Since 2019 Was Disclosed

The Prime Minister’s Office disclosed data on state spending for prime ministers’ makeup, hairstyling, and representational expenses. From the beginning of 2019 through August 2026, approximately 1.43 million shekels was spent for these purposes.

Key facts

•The petition was filed in December 2025
•Data period: from the beginning of 2019 through August 2026
•Total amount: approximately 1.43 million shekels
•Representational payments: approximately 473,000 shekels
•The case number and the name of the court are not stated in the source

Why the Data Was Disclosed

The Movement for Freedom of Information petitioned the court in December 2025 after the requested information was not provided. The petition was filed by attorney Yaara Winkler-Shalit. Following the petition, the Prime Minister’s Office provided the documents, but the source does not state the case number, the name of the court, or the content of the judicial decision.

What the Money Was Spent On

The disclosed information includes makeup and hairstyling in Israel and abroad, as well as representational payments for clothing and hospitality related to representing the state. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu account for approximately 90% of the makeup and hairstyling expenses; Netanyahu served as prime minister for most of the period reviewed. Expenses totaled approximately 312,000 shekels in 2023, approximately 84,000 shekels in 2022, during the terms of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, and peaked in 2025 at approximately 337,000 shekels.

Expenses During the War and on Trips Abroad

Between September and November 2023, 7,897 shekels was paid for the prime minister’s hairstyling and 4,800 shekels for makeup. A separate entry from October 2023 includes a payment of 2,457 shekels for hairstyling. During a four-day visit to Washington in February 2025, makeup artist and hairstylist services totaled approximately $13,500, and during a visit in July 2024, approximately $11,500.

What Remained Confidential

The names of the hairstylists and makeup artists were redacted on state security grounds. The requested information on the cost of jewelry, clothing, and advice concerning personal appearance was also not provided. Representational payments during the period reviewed totaled approximately 408,000 shekels for Netanyahu, approximately 57,000 shekels for Bennett, and approximately 8,000 shekels for Lapid—for a total of approximately 473,000 shekels.

What this means for you

The publication shows that information about the use of public funds may be disclosed following a freedom of information request and a petition to the court. However, a government authority may conceal certain details if it relies on state security considerations. The source itself does not provide a judicial decision and does not clarify the scope of this exception.

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