Bibi attacked for spending more than £1000 of public money on candles

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been criticised for spending more than £1,000 of public money on scented candles for his official residence in Jerusalem.

The newspaper Maariv also attacked him for spending £142,000 on flower arrangements and £19,300 on gardening among other costs totalling around £550,000 in 2012.

The expenses were detailed in a document released by a civil liberties group following a freedom of information request.

Israelis have long accused Mr Netanyahu of leading a lavish lifestyle while failing to address middle class economic woes. He came under fire in the past for spending £77,000 on a special sleeping cabin on a flight to London and £1,800 on ice cream.

Mr Netanyahu’s office said expenses decreased this year.