Netanyahu under fire over hefty spend on candles and flowers

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s penchant for scented candles is setting off a stink, with media and politicians accusing the Israeli of extravagantly spending public money.

According to an expense document obtained by a civil liberties group, he spent $1,700 (€1,254) on scented candles, $23,300 on flower arrangements and $31,600 on gardening at his official residence in Jerusalem, among other costs totalling about $909,000 in 2012.

The group obtained the document following a freedom of information request. The criticism is the latest in a string of similar reproaches against Netanyahu, who is often accused of leading a lavish lifestyle while failing to address the economic ills of Israel’s middle class.