Netanyahu to push on with Jerusalem ‘White House’

BENJAMIN NETANYAHU plans to build a £280million “Israeli White House” in Jerusalem, amid reports that his neighbours have complained about his high-profile security arrangements.

According to the Israeli broadcaster Kan, the building would be a combined office and residence and replace two ageing, non-adjacent sites in West Jerusalem. The plan, for which Mr Netanyahu is reportedly seeking an architect and project manager, has been in the works since 2009 but has suffered several setbacks caused by security issues and bureaucracy.

Israeli prime ministers typically live in an official residence in Balfour Street, West Jerusalem, and work at an office in the Israeli government quarter. The two sites are about a mile apart.

However, since being sworn into office, Mr Netanyahu has lived in a private dwelling in Gaza Street, where neighbours are said to have complained about noise disturbances and heightened security. Residents are irritated by constant sirens when Mr Netanyahu arrives at or departs from the neighbourhood, Kan reported yesterday.

The 73-year-old’s recent predecessors also spent little time in the official residence. Naftali Bennett preferred to live in Ra’anana, a suburb of Tel Aviv while Yair Lapid lived in an apartment near the residence in his time because of construction work.

The report was confirmed by the government, which told Kan it was reviewing a proposal to build a combined office and residence in Jerusalem.

The setting up of a combined office and residence has suffered numerous setbacks since the plan was first approved in 2009.