Kfar Saba Mayor and Wife Arrested in Corruption Probe; Luxury Goods Seized

Investigators suspect that the mayor and his wife orchestrated a mechanism to rig lucrative municipal tenders, worth tens of millions of shekels, in exchange for cash bribes. The tenders involved services such as school renovations, sanitation, transportation, street lighting, and food vendor permits. Despite holding no official position, Meital Saar is suspected of acting as a central intermediary, directly coordinating with businesspeople and known criminal elements from central Israel to guarantee tender wins.

During searches of the mayor's home and other locations, police seized hundreds of thousands of shekels in cash hidden in wardrobes, bags, and vehicles, alongside luxury Cartier and Rolex watches, high-end handbags, and vehicles. Investigators are examining whether the couple's lavish lifestyle, including financed foreign trips, exceeded their declared income. Additionally, police are investigating allegations that criminal elements assisted Saar in his election through vote buying and threats against competitors.

Mayor Saar, who was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2024, announced a temporary suspension of his duties and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. Deputy Mayor Dani Harush will assume his responsibilities during this period. A former Israeli football player is also reportedly among the suspects in the case, though his specific role has not been disclosed.