$470,000 spent on 'Israeli' Prime Minister's hair, makeup
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- State spending on prime ministerial grooming and representation reaches around $470,000 from 2019 to August 2026.
- Netanyahu and Sara account for roughly 90% of hair and makeup expenses.
- Prime Minister’s Office withholds stylists’ names, citing “state security” reasons.
'Israel' spent approximately $470,000 from the beginning of 2019 through August 2026 on hair styling, makeup, and official representation expenses for its prime ministers both domestically and abroad.
The figures were released by the 'Israeli' Prime Minister's Office following a Freedom of Information petition filed in December 2025 by attorney Yaara Winkler-Shalit on behalf of the Movement for Freedom of Information.
Benjamin Netanyahu, who served as 'Israeli' prime minister for the vast majority of the period examined, and his wife Sara were responsible for roughly 90% of the total hair and makeup expenditures.
In several documents released by authorities, specific details—including the names of the prime minister's personal hairstylists and makeup artists—were redacted on grounds of alleged "state security".
Breakdown of wartime spending
The disclosed records provide specific monthly breakdowns, including the period surrounding the outbreak of war in late 2023.
Between September and November 2023, the state paid approximately $2,600 for the prime minister's hair styling and $1,580 for makeup services.
A line item specifically dedicated to October 2023 listed $810 for prime ministerial hair styling alone.
Annual expenditures fluctuated significantly across different administrations.
Total spending in 2023 reached approximately $103,000, compared to roughly $27,600 in 2022 during the tenure of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid.
The highest annual expenditure occurred in 2025, reaching approximately $111,000.
Overseas travel accounted for significant costs, led by a February 2025 trip to Washington D.C. where makeup and hair styling services cost approximately $13,500.
A prior visit to Washington in July 2024 generated approximately $11,500 in grooming expenses.
Unlike the combined hair and makeup figures, official representation allowances—covering clothing and hosting expenses related to official duties—were itemized by leader:
- Benjamin Netanyahu: ~$134,000 USD
- Naftali Bennett: ~$19,000 USD
- Yair Lapid: ~$2,600 USD
The Movement for Freedom of Information had also requested data regarding expenditure on jewelry, clothing, and image consulting, but those details were not provided by the government.
Adv. Hiddai Negev, CEO of the Movement for Freedom of Information, criticized the official response, stating that the 'Israeli' Prime Minister's Office repeatedly ignores information requests regarding public funds until compelled by court petitions.
Negev stressed that public figures must recognize that public funds cannot be treated without accountability.
