A top kosher caterer claimed he was promised access to Israel if he paid up to £1,800.

Arieh Wagner, the nominated kosher caterer for UK-government hospitality, said he wanted to travel to the Jewish state to celebrate the festival of Succot last week with his mother, who is an Israeli citizen.

He said he was refused access, despite submitting “perfect paperwork - I ticked all the boxes”. 

Israel is not currently open for leisure travel, though citizens, residents and other exceptional cases may travel to the country provided arrivals are registered in advance. 

Vaccinated family members of Israeli citizens may travel to the country, subject to government approval. 

But Mr Wagner said he was promised access to Israel if he paid a fee of “$500-$2,500” (£366-£1,830).

In a Facebook post, Mr Wagner, who caters kosher meals at Buckingham Palace and Number 10 and 11 Downing Street, wrote: “I find it highly offensive not being able to visit my (widowed) mother in Israel for Chag.”

Outlining the increasing number of coronavirus cases in Israel, he added: “Looking at the Israeli corona numbers… I don’t think your draconian selection criteria contribute much to Israel’s corona record. 

“Ultimately this is a fertile breeding ground for corruption… 

“For $500-$2,500 I was promised guaranteed entry… and I know of many who had entered Israel with this type of ‘protektzia’ – because they just had to be in Israel.”

Israelis use the word ‘protektzia’ to refer to the use of connections and contacts to get something done.