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This is an exclusive scoop.
An annonymous OU source in a position to know has disclosed that the Prime Minister’s office contacted OU President Steve Savitsky today demanding that the Orthodox Union foot an additional $5,000 bill for additional security for Prime Minister’s speech on Wednesday night at the OU Convention in Jerusalem.
This author is told that it is standard procedure when the Prime Minister is asked to speak to a foreign convention in Israel, that the organization foots the security bill, normally some USD 15,000.
But the Prime Minister’s Office contacted Savitsky today demanding that additional security be provided by a private security agency which turns out to be connected with someone in the Prime Minister’s office.
Upon hearing this demand, according to the annonymous OU source, Savitsky told the caller from the Prime Minister’s Office that the Prime Minister has been uninvited, that the OU will not be shaken down.
Shortly thereafter, Savitsky received another call from the Prime Minister’s Office saying that the additional security is not necessary and that the standard security is sufficient. Therefore, the Prime Minister’s speech goes on as scheduled on Wednesday night.