Kfar Saba Mayor Denies Graft Allegations, Blames Wife

Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar has denied allegations of taking money from developers bidding on municipal tenders. In recordings from his investigation, broadcast on Kan News, Saar insisted, "I did not receive money from anyone." When questioned about hundreds of thousands of shekels in cash found in his home, the mayor stated, "They belong to my wife. I am not involved in any improper event." His wife, Meital, is also a suspect in the affair. The couple was arrested earlier on Monday, with their detention extended for eight days. The investigation stems from police wiretaps conducted over eighteen months. Recordings captured conversations about money transfers and the couple expressing concern about being caught. Cash packages were discovered not only at their home but also in their vehicles and at the residences of associates. Investigators believe this represents an ongoing cash flow, not a one-time occurrence, spanning the entire tender period. The estimated bribe amount is in the millions of shekels, with suspicions that the events began in 2019, a year after Saar's election. The investigation also revealed that the couple funded numerous purchases, including foreign trips, jewelry, and clothing, with cash. Investigators found large sums of cash packed and organized in their home. Saar drives a Tesla, and his wife drives a luxury Audi. High-end items from brands like Prada, Rolex, and Cartier were also found at their home. Investigators suspect that tenders in nearly every municipal sector were awarded to associates, business figures, and even criminals, in exchange for cash packages received by the mayor's wife, who was in direct contact with them. Businessmen were aware that by contacting the mayor's wife, who acted as an intermediary, she would work behind the scenes to ensure they won tenders, leveraging her husband's position as mayor and head of the planning and building committee.