Kfar Saba Mayor and Wife Arrested in Bribery and Tender Rigging Probe

The arrest of Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife Mital on suspicion of rigging tenders in exchange for bribes has sent shockwaves through the city. Investigators from the National Fraud Investigation Unit (LAHAV 433) were seen at City Hall examining computers, leaving long-time employees stunned. "I strongly believe in Rafi's innocence," said one employee, suggesting the arrest was based on "rumors and half-facts."

In addition to the Saars, 17 others were arrested, including the CEO of the Economic Company and seven more individuals were detained for questioning. The covert investigation, which has been ongoing for over a year, focuses on suspicions of bribery, fraud, breach of trust, money laundering, and tax offenses. Authorities allege that the mayor, his wife, and the economic company CEO facilitated the awarding of lucrative tenders to bribe-payers, primarily in cash, in return for bribes.

The tenders in question spanned various municipal services, including the renovation of educational institutions, cleaning services, and the placement of food carts. The investigation also uncovered the involvement of known criminal elements from central Israel, directly or indirectly, in the bribery mechanism and related violent offenses.

While city employees expressed support for the mayor, opposition council members claimed the signs were there. Former Deputy Mayor Nadav Levita stated he resigned from the coalition a year prior due to "unreasonable involvement in the city's affairs." He clarified that his resignation was not based on criminal knowledge but on ethical grounds concerning "unreasonable interventions in city management by the mayor's circle."

Opposition leader was summoned to provide testimony, describing the day as "sad for all the city's residents." She questioned the role of "gatekeepers" and expressed concern over what she called "corrupt systems" within the municipality. Some city officials linked the current suspicions to Mayor Saar's failed attempt two years ago to dismiss City Engineer Aliza Zeidler-Granot. Sources claim Saar tried to sideline her, allegedly due to her handling of post-October 7th leaves and hindering construction projects, though she countered with claims of personal harassment and planning failures.

Further allegations suggest that after the failed dismissal attempt, Saar systematically hollowed out the engineering department, transferring its functions to the municipal company, possibly to install his own people and restrict the engineer's authority. The Opposition Leader on the City Council hopes the arrests will lead to a reform of norms in local authorities, noting that "Israeli local authorities are not well-built, they lack checks and balances."

Mital Saar, who married the mayor in 2022, reportedly wielded significant influence within City Hall, with one employee stating she "freely entered people's offices to tell them what to do." While the Opposition Leader on the City Council did not witness these actions directly, she cited testimonies of Mital Saar's presence and interactions with professionals at City Hall, suggesting "there's no smoke without fire."

The alleged modus operandi involved businessmen approaching the mayor's wife, leading to a "give and take" arrangement where she allegedly worked to ensure their wins in tenders and municipal projects. The investigation suspects that projects were transferred from the municipality to the economic company to conceal favoritism and tender rigging, with alleged coordination between the Saars and the economic company's CEO. Obstacles were reportedly placed before some tender participants, leading to their withdrawal. The suspicions cover nearly all aspects of municipal activity, from school renovations and food trucks to streetlights and cleaning services. A key aspect of the probe also involves the couple's lavish lifestyle, with extensive cash payments for travel, jewelry, and clothing, which investigators believe are linked to the bribery suspicions.