OCCUPIED JERUSALEM — The Israeli prime minister's reported penchant for scented candles is setting off a stink. Maariv daily on Monday slammed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for spending $1,700 on scented candles, $23,300 on flower arrangements and $31,600 on gardening at his official residence in Jerusalem, among other costs totaling about $909,000 in 2012. Netanyahu's alleged expenses were detailed in a document released by a civil liberties group following a freedom of information request. Israelis have long accused Netanyahu of leading a lavish lifestyle while failing to address the middle class' economic woes. He came under fire in the past for spending $127,000 on a special sleeping cabin on a flight to London and for $3,000 spent on ice cream. Asked about the document, Netanyahu's office said expenses decreased this year. – AP
