Kfar Saba mayor, wife suspected of fraud released to house arrest, forbidden to communicate
Under the ruling by the court, the couple is prohibited from speaking to each other until November 1, while Saar is barred from entering municipal facilities until November 15.
Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife Meital have been released from police custody and placed under house arrest, pending an investigation into allegations of bribery. According to prosecutors, Meital is believed to have orchestrated the scheme, exploiting her position to benefit business associates with financial inducements.
In return, the prosecutor alleges, Mayor Saar allegedly allowed his authority as mayor to be used to further his wife's demands. The court ruled that the couple may not communicate with each other until November 1, while Mayor Saar is additionally prohibited from entering municipal buildings until November 15. Police sought more stringent conditions, including prohibiting the couple from meeting for 60 days and requiring a larger financial deposit.
However, the court only partially granted these requests. Meital Saar will remain under full house arrest until November 1, subject to a NIS 50,000 cash deposit, a personal guarantee and a NIS 50,000 guarantee from a third party. Mayor Saar faces charges of bribery, fraud, breach of trust, conspiracy to commit a felony, money laundering, and tax offenses.
Meital is accused of bribery, improper benefits, conspiracy to commit a felony, and related offenses. The investigation is probing suspected corruption involving various municipal contracts and development projects, including permits for mobile food kiosks, urban renewal projects, and school construction during summer breaks.
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