Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu�s drivers, all six, are in line for a raise in line with new agreements. Their salaries are being increased, most likely next month, to the level of drivers employed by the ISA (Israel Security Agency � Shin Bet). While these drivers are government employees who are under the wing of the Prime Minister�s Office, they are hand selected by the prime minister, who is permitted to use his digression in this case.

The battle for a higher wage for the drivers began back in 2005, at which time they received an increase due to the �high risk� of their position. This resulted in a 1,018 NIS monthly increase. Drivers for other cabinet ministers received a raise under the same clause, but only 237 NIS monthly.

The drivers turned to Prime Minister Netanyahu in 2010 asking for a raise, to bring their salaries to the level of the ISA. This would demand an increase of 5,000 NIS monthly per driver. The prime minister handed the matter over to the director-general of his office, Yael Gabbai. The increase equating their salary with employees of the ISA was approved in August 2011.

At present, the prime minister�s drivers today earn an average monthly wage of 12,000 NIS. They also receive a vehicle as a job benefit.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)