Forbes Israel: Netanyahu worth more (money) than Obama

Netanyahu estimated to have net worth of $11 million, lagging far behind Barkat's $118 million.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Updated: JUNE 18, 2015 13:04
US President Barack Obama (L) and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (photo credit: REUTERS)
US President Barack Obama (L) and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
(photo credit: REUTERS)
A list of Israel's wealthiest politicians was released by Forbes Israel  Wednesday, making transparent the estimated personal wealth of a total of 13 politicians.
Topping the list was Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat, with an estimated net worth of $118 million - a fortune amassed from the sale of his software start-up company BRM to Symantec and success in venture capitalism.
Coming in second was MK Erel Margalit of the Zionist Union, with an amassed fortune of $58 million from the success of his venture capital fund, Jerusalem Venture Partners.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu placed fourth on the list, ringing in a fortune of around $11 million - significantly less than Israel's wealthiest politician but surprisingly, surpassing the leading politician of the United States: President Barack Obama, with an estimated net worth $7 million. Netanyahu's millions stem primarily from public speaking fees and work as a strategic adviser.
Opposition leader and Zionist Union head Isaac Herzog ranked 11th, with a personal wealth of $2.6 million.
Also noted on the list were Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid, Bayit Yehudi chairman Naftali Bennett, and Zionist Union MK Manuel Trajtenberg.