Netanyahu's wife convicted of misusing Israeli state funds on 'lavish meals'

Sara Netanyahu has been sentenced to pay a fine of roughly $15,000 for misusing some $100,000 in state money on lavish meals.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab & agencies

16 June, 2019

Sara Netanyahu will pay roughly $15,000 for misusing state funds [Getty]

The wife of Israel's prime minister has been sentenced to pay a fine of roughly $15,000 for misusing state funds.

A Jerusalem magistrate court on Sunday accepted the plea bargain Sara Netanyahu signed with prosecutors to settle the allegations she misused some $100,000 in state money on lavish meals.

The State Attorney's office said the wife of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will pay additional fines to close the case, which accused her of running up large tabs at luxury restaurants while the official residence employed a full-time chef.

Sara Netanyahu was indicted on charges of fraud and breach of trust last year. The settlement saw her admit to more minor charges and reduced the overspending charge to $50,000.

She has also faced accusations of mistreating staff, and in 2016 a court awarded some $47,000 in damages to a former housekeeper who accused the couple of repeated workplace abuse.

Separately, Binyamin Netanyahu is facing possible indictment for bribery, fraud and breach of trust in the months ahead and is reportedly seeking legislation that would result in him being granted immunity.

Earlier this month, the prime minister had his request to postpone a court hearing over corruption allegations against him rejected.

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