Israeli police have initiated a criminal investigation into Sara Netanyahu, the wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the state attorney’s office confirmed in a letter made public on Sunday, reported Gulf News.
“A criminal investigation was opened” into suspected criminal offences, the office stated in response to Israeli opposition lawmaker Naama Lazimi, who had accused Sara Netanyahu of interfering in her husband’s corruption trial. Lazimi, a Knesset member for the Democrats, shared the letter on X, confirming that the probe was launched on December 26.
The investigation follows a December report by Israeli Channel 12’s Uvda news programme, which alleged that Sara Netanyahu attempted to intimidate a key witness in her husband’s ongoing trial. The programme also claimed she organized demonstrations targeting the Attorney General, his deputy, and other officials perceived as hostile to Benjamin Netanyahu.
The state attorney’s office stated that the case is being handled by the Israel Police, along with the cyber department of the attorney’s office. Benjamin Netanyahu is currently on trial for bribery, fraud, and breach of public trust in three separate cases.
In December, he testified in court, calling the charges “ridiculous.” His trial, which began in May 2020 and has faced multiple delays, is expected to last for months, with potential appeals further extending the process. Netanyahu, the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face a criminal trial, has denied any wrongdoing. One of the cases alleges that he and his wife accepted over $260,000 worth of luxury goods, including cigars, jewellery, and champagne, from billionaires in exchange for political favours.
