Israeli PM Netanyahu's wife charged with fraud

The wife of the Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has been charged with fraud after allegedly spending over $100,000 of state funds on takeaways.

Sara Netanyahu has been accused of ordering hundreds of meals to the prime minister's official residence, after falsely claiming there were no cooks available at home.

The case includes a former deputy director of the prime minister's residence.

Mrs Netanyahu has faced allegations before of abusive behaviour and living an excessively extravagant lifestyle.

The Israeli prime minister also faces several investigations into alleged corruption. One revolves around accusations that Netanyahu received expensive gifts from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and other media and business moguls.

Between 2007 and 2016, the Israeli leader allegedly received cigars and other goods totalling $283,000.

Two of Netanyahu's aides were arrested on suspicion of promoting regulation worth hundreds of millions to the Bezeq telecom company.

The Bezeq-owned Walla news site allegedly provided positive coverage of the premier in return.

The confidants have since turned state witnesses.

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Netanyahu has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the accusations as a media witch hunt.

In February, up to 2,000 demonstrators marched to demand the prime minister's resignation. Signs reading "crooks go home" and "crime minister" were seen at the event. The crowd also erupted in chants of "Liar! Liar!".

Three polls published earlier this year showed that between 45 to 50 percent say Netanyahu should resign or temporarily step aside, with 40 to 43 percent saying he should stay on.

Sara Netanyahu has also been accused of abusing a former housekeeper.