Wife of Israel’s Prime Minister could face Five years jail for the ‘meal fraud’

Tel aviv – Israel’s first lady was summoned by the court on Sunday on the charges of misusing state funds in ordering catered meals.

According to Reuters agency, Sara Netanyahu (59), wife of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (68), along with a government employee, fraudulently obtained from the state more than $100,000 for hundreds of meals supplied by restaurants, bypassing regulations that prohibit the practice if a cook is employed at home.

She will be awarded jail upto five years of jail on the charges of fraud, breach of trust and fraudulent receipt of goods.

Benjamin, who himself is trapped in corruption investigations, has called the allegations against his wife absurd.

However, charges against Sara have not politically damaged her husband, who is serving fourth term as Israel’s leader and winning in the opinion polls despite corruption charges against him.

Benjamin accused Israeli media of running a witch-hunt against him and his wife to sabotage his political career.