The travel expenses of Defense Minister Ehud Barak and his wife, Nili, for the recent air show in Paris were particularly high as a result of negligence on the part of the Defense Ministry, according to State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss.

In a report due to be released on Wednesday afternoon, the comptroller reveals that the hotels for the large Israeli delegation were booked significantly late, leading to higher prices and booked rooms that were not even used.

"In a period when many of the country's citizens aren't able to make ends meet, such sums cannot be wasted on a luxurious suite," adds the report.

Following the revelation, Barak set up an inquiry committee to investigate, and in the meantime, he has ordered all high expense requests to go to him for personal approval.