World · Middle East · 1 hr ago
Kfar Saba mayor and wife arrested in alleged tender-bribery scheme
Israeli police arrested Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Sa’ar, his wife and 15 others over suspected bribery linked to local government contracts.
Kfar Saba is a city in central Israel, and police say the alleged scheme involved people seeking to win public tenders.
Investigators say bribes worth millions of shekels were paid during a period that began after Sa’ar was elected, with alleged offenses dating from 2019.
Police suspect Sa’ar and the head of a financial firm helped steer contracts to people who paid bribes.
His wife, Meital Sa’ar, is suspected of acting as a go-between with businessmen and others, while the cash was allegedly used for travel and luxury goods.
The investigation also involves suspected vote-buying and pressure on other candidates, and police say some criminal groups carried out violence.
Seven other people were questioned, and police reportedly found cash during a search of the couple’s home.
Sa’ar says he will cooperate and has urged people not to draw conclusions before the facts are clear.
Police arrested Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Sa’ar, his wife and 15 other suspects over alleged bribes linked to local authority tenders.
Police suspect the group of offenses including bribery, public corruption, fraud, money laundering and tax violations.
An investigation found that bribes worth millions of shekels allegedly flowed during the tender period.
Reports say Meital Sa’ar dealt with businessmen and other interested parties, while the mayor and a financial firm head allegedly helped secure tenders.
Seven other people were detained for questioning, and Mayor Sa’ar said he would cooperate with the investigation.
- Who
- Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Sa’ar, his wife Meital Sa’ar, 15 other suspects and seven people questioned.
- What
- Police arrested the mayor and others over suspected bribes in return for tenders. The suspects are also being investigated for other alleged offenses.
- When
- Monday, October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Kfar Saba, Israel.
- Why
- Police suspect bribes were paid to influence tenders in the local authority.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The alleged offenses are reported to have begun.
The investigation reportedly began.
Police arrested 17 people and detained seven others for questioning.
- Arrests
- 17 people, including Rafi and Meital Sa’ar
- Questioning
- Seven other people detained
- Alleged bribes
- Millions of shekels
- Investigation unit
- Lahav 433
- Alleged offenses began
- 2019
2 sources
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What people are saying
I believe that the investigation will allow the full picture to be presented.
Due to the ongoing probe, I cannot comment on the details now.
I would like to avoid drawing conclusions before the facts are clear.