Kfar Saba Mayor, Wife Arrested in Corruption Probe

Kfar Saba municipality officials are reeling from the revelation of a tender rigging scheme that led to the arrest of 17 suspects, including Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife, Mital. While some city employees believe Saar will "easily get out of this," police sources describe Mital, who holds no official position, as a "dominant figure" with "her hand in everything," acting as the central point of contact for businessmen seeking municipal contracts and projects. Investigators from Lahav 433 are currently at the city hall, examining computers and seizing materials to build their case. One city employee told Ynet, "It's complete shock; we never thought there was anything criminal here." The investigation, which began covertly about 18 months ago, focuses on suspicions that the couple acted to advance the interests of businessmen and associates, including criminal elements, in exchange for cash bribes. These suspicions span nearly all areas of municipal activity, from renovating educational institutions and cleaning services to installing food trucks and traffic lights. Police suspect that to conceal the favoritism and tender rigging, projects were transferred from the municipality to the Municipal Economic Company. The CEO of this company was also arrested. Investigators believe Mital was the primary driver of the scheme, allegedly receiving cash packages from businessmen to ensure they won numerous significant tenders. The couple reportedly lived a lavish lifestyle, with many expenses paid in cash, including foreign travel, jewelry, and clothing. During searches of the mayor's home, luxury watches and briefcases were found. The municipality is experiencing a sense of déjà vu, as former Mayor Yehuda Ben Hammo was convicted of corruption and sentenced to 24 months in prison in 2022. The investigation also explores potential links between the mayor, his wife, and criminal elements in the Sharon region who may have assisted Saar during his election campaign.