Kfar Saba Mayor Addresses Corruption Probe, Vows Full Cooperation

Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar has broken his silence following his arrest on suspicion of involvement in a major corruption scheme involving bid rigging and bribery. In a statement to residents, Saar pledged full cooperation with investigators and expressed hope that the inquiry would reveal the complete picture.

Saar and his wife were arrested as part of a year-long undercover investigation by the National Fraud Unit of Lahav 433. Police suspect the couple orchestrated a mechanism to rig municipal tenders in exchange for bribes, primarily in cash. Investigators reportedly found hundreds of thousands of shekels in cash during a search of Saar's home. His wife was previously questioned after being found with 24,000 shekels in cash in her suitcase at Ben Gurion Airport.

Authorities view Saar and his wife as central figures in the alleged corruption ring, noting their lavish lifestyle. The investigation also involves known criminal elements from the central region, suspected of direct or indirect ties to the tender activities and bribe payments. The probe includes suspicions of bribery, fraud, breach of trust, money laundering, and tax offenses.

In his statement, Saar requested that conclusions not be drawn before the facts are established, citing the ongoing investigation as a reason he cannot discuss specifics. He announced that Deputy Mayor Dani Harosh will temporarily assume his duties to ensure the continued operation of the municipality and its services. Saar and his wife are expected to appear before the Rishon Lezion Magistrate's Court, where police will seek to extend their detention. The investigation is being conducted with the accompaniment of the State Prosecutor's Office's economic department.