Who Is Sara Netanyahu? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Wife Interrogated For Alleged Misuse Of Public Funds

Israeli police interrogated Sara Netanyahu, the wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over suspicions of misusing public funds, according to local reports Thursday. Officials are investigating claims that Sara used the funds to look after her late father and to pay workers at private family gatherings.

Police questioned the 58-year-old for more than 11 hours and the interrogation lasted post-midnight Thursday, Haaretz newspaper reported. Benjamin’s former chief of staff and another senior official were also reported to have undergone the interrogation over the allegations.

According to the newspaper, investigators are looking into allegations that Benjamin’s wife used public funds from the prime minister’s residence in Jerusalem to pay for food and private chefs hired for family events. Claims also say that her private family entertainment expenses were also made through those funds. Police have also suggested charging Sara for paying expenses from the Prime Minister’s Residence for a live-in caregiver for her late father. However, no indictment has been issued yet.

Thursday’s interrogation was in connection to new evidence that reportedly emerged. Sara and Benjamin have denied wrongdoing.

“I reiterate there will be nothing because there is nothing” to the allegations, Sara reportedly said.

Sara has been in controversy since the 1990s over several issues, including her alleged interference in state affairs and influencing her husband. In May, an ex-worker of the prime minister’s residence was awarded about $25,000 in damages for Sara’s behavior. The worker had said she forced him back to work late at night because he did not say a proper goodnight before leaving.

In February, a court in Israel ruled that the prime minister’s wife ill-treated and abused a former member of her housekeeping staff. The worker was awarded $42,000 in damages.