Kfar Saba Mayor, Wife Arrested in Major Corruption Probe

The Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court on Sunday, October 12, extended the detention of Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife, Meital, for eight days. They are suspected of receiving bribes in exchange for manipulating municipal tenders to benefit specific individuals. Police consider Meital Saar the central figure in the alleged scheme, believing she influenced municipal decisions for bribes despite holding no official position. The investigation, which began about 1.5 years ago following numerous reports of potential corruption, has led to the arrest of 17 suspects and the detention of seven others, including Sagi Hen, the General Director of the Municipal Economic Company, whose arrest was extended for four days.

According to police, entrepreneurs approached Meital Saar, paid her cash bribes, and in return received assistance in winning large tenders and advancing city projects. The suspicions cover a wide range of municipal works and services, from school renovations and cleaning to food trucks, business openings, entertainment complexes, sports and transport projects, and street lighting. Investigators believe some projects were intentionally channeled through the Municipal Economic Company to conceal favoritism and tender manipulation, with Hen allegedly aware of predetermined winners. Other bidders were reportedly obstructed from participating.

A police representative described Meital Saar as "the most influential woman in the mayor's office," noting the case involves both public figures and individuals from the criminal underworld. The judge found reasonable grounds to suspect Meital Saar, citing her deep involvement and unexplained income. Evidence of attempts to obstruct the investigation was also presented. Meital Saar remained silent during questioning, while Rafi Saar denied any wrongdoing, stating he did not take any money or act illegally. His lawyer argued for separating their cases, citing their separate property and the mayor's potential ignorance of his wife's financial dealings, suggesting Meital may have acted alone.

Police countered that Rafi Saar was not only aware but also participated in the alleged criminal activity, claiming the couple jointly received substantial bribes, primarily in cash, including in recent days. The judge cited suspicions against Rafi Saar including bribery, conspiracy, fraud, abuse of trust, money laundering, and tax violations. Lawyers for Sagi Hen also stated their client denies involvement. A lawyer for Meital Saar criticized the police for arresting parents in front of their teenage daughters and highlighted her client's lack of prior convictions and distressed psychological state.

Investigators are also examining the couple's lavish lifestyle, including cash payments for foreign trips, jewelry, clothing, and luxury goods. Large sums of cash, expensive jewelry, watches, and luxury cars were seized. Notably, Meital Saar was recently questioned after customs found 20,000 shekels in undeclared cash at Ben Gurion Airport. The investigation further explores alleged ties between the mayor, his wife, and criminal groups in the Sharon region, with intelligence suggesting criminal figures may have influenced municipal elections to benefit the mayor. A police source stated the city appeared to be "sold," with the mayor's wife allegedly holding "the keys to the city."