Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's dog Kaiya bites political visitors – but John Kerry escapes unscathed

US Secretary of State John Kerry escaped unscathed during his Jerusalem visit, fortunate to avoid a nasty nip from a new threat in the Middle East. Members of Israel’s political elite have not been so fortunate, falling foul of Benjamin Netanyahu’s adopted pet dog.

Portly mixed-breed Kaiya, 10, rescued from death at the behest of the Israeli Prime Minister’s son Avner in the summer, was by all accounts minding her own business when approached by members of Mr Netanyahu’s government at a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony for Likud party members at the Netanyahu family home.

First to be bitten by Kaiya was Likud MP Sharren Haskel, ironically a trained vet. Then the husband of the Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely, Ohr Alon, was nipped. Both required medical attention, reported the Jerusalem Post.

Kaiya’s motive for the biting spree remains unknown, although unsurprisingly many were quick to ponder whether the rescue pet may be a supporter of the Arab cause.

Mr Netanyahu was reported to have warned guests that Kaiya could bite. He apologised to all involved.

Ms Haskel dismissed the incident, later tweeting: “As someone who was once a [professional] snake wrangler, a small bite from a dog doesn’t excite me.”

The Times of Israel reported that Mr Alon had been unaware of Kaiya’s earlier bite and approached her with a view to giving her a friendly stroke. “Get away from her, she bites,” Mr Netanyahu was reported to have said, seconds before Mr Alon, too, felt Kaiya’s teeth on his hand. He, too, was bandaged by the Prime Minister’s medical team.

Kaiya follows a number of world leaders’ dogs who have been considered a little dangerous, although many, such as Barney, the Scottish terrier belonging to former US President George W Bush, limited themselves to biting journalists.

Another US President, Teddy Roosevelt, who was known for turning the White House into a menagerie, was forced to ban Pete, his bull terrier, from the residence when the animal tore the trousers off the French ambassador during a function.

“Meet Kaiya, 10 years old, a gentle and mild-mannered dog that instantly became a member of our family,” Mr Netanyahu wrote on Facebook when she was adopted in July. “When my son Avner heard that she was being put down, he asked if we could adopt Kaiya and save her life. Over the weekend, we received her with warmth and love.”

The Prime Minister later tweeted: “How much light Kaiya brought into our home! If you want a canine, find an adult dog to rescue. You won’t regret it!” Members of his Likud party may choose to disagree.