The State Attorney's Office revealed Sunday that a criminal investigation was launched in a case linked to Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although it stopped short of saying whether she was a suspect.
The probe was recently launched following allegations raised in an investigative report broadcast on the television program "Uvda" regarding alleged efforts to harass a witness in her husband's ongoing corruption trial currently underway. Sara Netanyahu has been in the US for several weeks, although she is expected to return. It is unclear if she will be summoned for questioning. Her husband began an official visit to Washington on Sunday, where he is expected to become the first leader to meet President Donald Trump since his inauguration on January 20th.
The investigation, which commenced on December 26, 2024, is being conducted by the Israel Police in coordination with the State Attorney's Office Cyber Division. The prosecutor's office emphasized that the announcement of the investigation does not represent any stance on her innocence or guilt.
MK Naama Lazimi, whose office had called for the investigation, issued the following statement, referring to a previous case involving her expenses irregularities, which ended in a conviction. "The prime minister's wife is a convicted offender. I will not be silenced, I will not back down, and I will not allow this matter to be buried. Justice will prevail, and we will ensure its implementation," she said.
The lawmaker added, "The official notification from the State Attorney's Office regarding the criminal investigation into Prime Minister's wife Sara Netanyahu represents a crucial step for parliamentary oversight, judicial systems, and the rule of law. This response follows my appeal and my office's work in the wake of Sefi Ovadia's groundbreaking investigative report on 'Uvda.'"
