In a move to improve his image as Labor Party leader and a candidate for the premiership, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and his wife Nili Priel have decided to sell their apartment located on the 31st floor of Tel Aviv’s Akirov Towers, for the modest price of $11 million (NIS 40 million).

Advisors to Barak have indicated that the apartment identifies him with Israel elite wealthy, a move that will not assist him in realizing his dream of once again being Israel’s prime minister as the head of the workers’ party.

According to a Yediot Achronot report, the apartment is 400 square meters, and is furnished to the max, with a sauna, Jacuzzi, parquet floors from maple wood, an extremely modern kitchen, and a “magnificent library” and two pianos.

Barak is hoping to earn a hefty profit on the home which he bought in 2003 for $2.3 or $2.5 million (conflicting reports).

Last week, Nili announced she was closing her prestigious PR firm, Taurus, explaining that while business was conducted above board, the firm may give appearances of inappropriate behavior and thereby hurt her husband’s bid for the premiership.

The statement and decision followed a Channel 10 News report that Barak used his connections to advance the firm. Both Barak and his wife denied the allegations, but Nili did subsequently announce she was closing shop. Now, the Labor leader has announced his modest apartment is for sale.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)