Former Israeli Defense Minister Gantz Asked To Return Travel Costs To UK And US

Benny Gantz (black shirt supporting chins) while attending a meeting of the Israeli War Cabinet led by PM Netanyahu. (Source: GPO/Kobi Gideon)

JAKARTA - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office asked National Unity Chairman Benny Gantz to return NIS 70,000 (Rp296,640,861) which was used to finance travel to the United States and Britain, while serving as a minister in the War Cabinet Government in March, to the state treasury. according to news Channel 13.

Citing a letter sent to Gantz from the Prime Minister's Office, Channel 13 reported, PM Netanyahu asked for the refund because he did not approve of the trip.

The report cites a government policy that the prime minister must approve the travel of the ministers abroad.

In response to the report, Gantz's office said the trip, when he met senior US officials in Washington including Vice President Kamala Harris, was important to keep Israel safe.

"We suggest that the prime minister and his officials work to return the hostages and residents of the north home with a determination and obsession that is at least the same as his efforts to return Gantz's travel expenses," the statement said.

The Prime Minister's office said: "Before his trip, it has been explained to Gantz and his office, this is a private trip, and the Prime Minister's Office will not cover the costs. We are now asking Gantz to return the money for his trip to the state treasury."

The PMO said it refused to help coordinate cabinet minister travel at the time, leaving Gantz threatened with legal issues in the UK, including lawsuits and arrest warrants related to the war in Gaza, Channel 12 reported at the time.