Kfar Saba Mayor and Wife Arrested on Suspicion of Corruption

Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Sa'ar and his wife, Mital Sa'ar, were arrested on suspicion of serious corruption offenses, including bid rigging, improper hiring, and illicit dealings with suppliers and service providers. The investigation, which has been ongoing for an extended period, involves tens of millions of shekels in transactions and projects, with alleged illicit gains estimated in the hundreds of thousands of shekels, some in cash. During their detention hearings, both the mayor and his wife displayed visible distress. Mital Sa'ar expressed deep concern for their children, pleading with family members to look after them. Mayor Sa'ar, while appearing embarrassed and downcast, denied involvement and claimed ignorance of any illicit payments made to his wife. The police stated that Mital Sa'ar played a central role in the alleged offenses and that attempts were made to obstruct the investigation. Some individuals involved had reportedly suspected they were being followed, possibly due to a journalistic investigation, but it turned out to be a covert police operation. Investigators are working to trace the flow of money, the extent of benefits received, and the connection between these benefits and municipal decisions. The police intend to summon municipal professionals to clarify procedures related to tenders, hiring, and contractor engagements to verify claims made by the mayor and others. The investigation is in its early stages, and the suspicions against the Sa'ars and other involved parties have not yet been proven.