‘Lack of Clarity’: Netanyahu’s Finances Raise ‘Fear of Criminality’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came under fire on Tuesday, after an official government watchdog released a report revealing that his travel expenses prior to taking office raise a “fear of criminality.”

The report details an alleged double-billing scheme, where Netanyahu had his family’s foreign travel funded by private donors, and then had the same expenses reimbursed by the state. The scheme is said to have taken place between 2003 and 2005, during his time as finance minister.

Additionally, the report accused the prime minister of a “lack of clarity,” in his accounting, using bonus points and frequent flyer miles that belonged to the state for private use.

Last year, Netanyahu’s finances came under scrutiny after the state comptroller found that the family had engaged in excessive spending. The watchdog’s report was damning enough to result in a criminal investigation ordered by Israel’s attorney general.

The PM’s wife, Sara, has faced allegations of stealing thousands of dollars from recycling centers, as well as an incident in which the couple spent $127,000 to have a custom bed chamber built into an airplane.

The latest report does not seek a criminal investigation, stating only that new evidence has been turned over to the Attorney General’s office.

Netanyahu’s lawyer maintains that his client did nothing wrong.