A decision by Knesset speaker Reuven Rivlin to upgrade the flights of Knesset members traveling abroad to business class, has met with mixed reactions.

The move is set to cost the Israeli tax payer hundreds of thousands of shekels, local media reports said Monday.
 

In an effort to defend his decision, Rivlin told Army Radio that Knesset members do not need to plead or beg in order to receive an upgrade in seat accommodation. “The Knesset needs to be independent,” he said.

He went on to explain that Knesset members traveling abroad in an official capacity need to be alert and ready to discuss issues at meeting that are usually scheduled soon after their arrival.
 
“Just now a delegation left for talks in the United States and were meant to attend meetings the minute they land. The same thing occurs with flights to Europe,” he said.
 

However Knesset member Michael Ben-Ari of the National Union party slammed Rivlin’s decision. Lawmakers are expected to set an example he said, “Rivlin’s wasteful conduct harms the reputation of the Knesset at a time when we need to tighten our belts and set an example. We cannot ask the public to cut back and at the same time behave in an ostentatious manner,” he said.

Other Knesset members accused Rivlin of offering favors to lawmakers with the hope that they will back him when he seeks nomination as Israel’s next president.
 

Until now Knesset members traveling abroad were entitled to upgrade their flight accommodation if the duration of the flight was longer than six hours. According to reports, the travel budget for the Knesset for 2010 stands at NIS 2.2 million or approximately $590,000.00