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Former custodian sues Netanyahu couple for violating labor codes

Xinhua, March 25, 2015 Adjust font size:

Labor court evidence discussions began Wednesday in Jerusalem over lawsuit by former custodian of the prime minister's residence against Netanyahu and his wife over poor treatment, the court spokesperson confirmed in a statement.

Meni Natfali, former custodian in the Netanyahu Jerusalem residence, accused them of violating labor codes and abusive and degrading treatment. Sarah Netanyahu, wife of incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is expected to testify in the trial.

The victim is seeking hundreds of thousands of shekels in compensation for what he termed was poor treatment and overtime, enduring "insults, financial, physical and mental harm and constant humiliation."

He worked at the Netanyahu residence between February 2011 and November 2012.

He claimed he was promised tenure which wasn't offered him. He is suing for 650,000 shekels (over 166,000 U.S. dollars) from the prime minister's office, the prime minister and deputy director general of the prime minister's office Ezra Seidoff, as well as 100 thousand shekels (over 25,000 U.S. dollars) from the Prime Minister's office over defamation and libel, claiming false rumors were spread about him following his complaints.

Naftali, who was cross-examined Wednesday, revealed that he was "appalled" to discover what's going on in the Prime Minister's house, including the couple's excessive alcohol intake. The Netanyahu family said in statement to the press following Naftali's testimony that his claims are "false" and "baseless."

The former custodian made headlines in January, revealing that Sarah Netanyahu pocketed thousands of shekels by recycling state-purchased bottles, thus taking in money that belonged to the state.

Talking to Israeli media Wednesday morning, he said that he is going through a "rough time" as he claims there are attempts to tarnish his name and reputation. In addition, his house was broken into and he claims he found eavesdropping devices there.

In addition to Naftali's claims, Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein ordered an investigation into the conduct of the prime minister's residence after a comptroller report found excessive spending and unlawful conduct were at play in both the Prime Minister's houses in Jerusalem and Caesarea.

The Netanyahu's lavish lifestyle and excessive spending attracted criticism in the past. In February 2013, it was revealed that the couple ordered 14 kg of boutique ice cream every month and that they spent thousands of shekels over scented candles.

Public criticism also followed reports in 2013 that Netanyahu fitted a double bed in the Prime Minister's plane taking them to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's funeral, costing Israeli tax payers over 150 thousand dollars. Endit