Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sarah are currently living in Jerusalem's luxurious Waldorf Astoria hotel at an estimated cost of £800 a night to the Israeli taxpayer.

The couple are believed to be staying in the hotel for a week, while security renovations are carried out on their apartment on Azza Street in Jerusalem.

Renovations are currently underway on both the official Prime Minister's residence on Balfour Street as well as the Netanyahus' private home.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's office: “In light of the increasing threats against Prime Minister Netanyahu, security arrangements are being made around his apartment in Jerusalem that require him to stay for several days outside his apartment in a place approved by security officials and the Prime Minister’s Office." 

The Balfour Street residence renovations started in 2021 when Netanyahu previously occupied the property but since then have been stalled numerous times. Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid were both unable to stay at the residence, opting for alternative arrangements while in post.

In addition to the Azza Street apartment, the Netanyahu family also has a house in the coastal town of Caesarea which they could have stayed in, but was deemed too far for a daily commute.

The Ambassador Suite at the Jerusalem Waldorf Astoria is currently listed on their website for $24,179 (£19,000) for a weeklong stay