Kfar Saba Mayor and His Wife Released to House Arrest

What the Court Decided

Judge Yuval Kidar did not grant the police request to impose restrictions for 60 days. Meital Saar is required to remain under full house arrest until November 1, and during this period she is prohibited from contacting others involved in the case. Each spouse was required to provide a cash deposit of 50,000 shekels, a personal undertaking of 50,000 shekels, and a third-party guarantee in the same amount.

Why the Police Sought Restrictions

Investigators argued that communication between the spouses could obstruct the investigation. According to the police account, Meital Saar managed the alleged bribery scheme, advanced the interests of businesspeople, and received money, while Rafi Saar knew about the payments and used his authority. These are investigative suspicions and not a court determination of guilt.

Which Events Are Being Investigated

The investigation concerns the placement of mobile stalls, the urban renewal of the Yoseftal neighborhood, and the construction and renovation of schools during the summer vacation. Investigators are examining the possible influence of bribery on the advancement of business interests and municipal tenders, including through the municipal economic development company. Investigators suspect that the money was transferred in cash to conceal traces.

What the Couple Are Suspected Of

Rafi Saar is suspected of accepting bribes, fraud and breach of trust, conspiracy to commit a felony, money laundering, and tax offenses. Meital Saar is suspected of bribery, receiving benefits, criminal conspiracy, and related offenses. The investigation is being conducted by the National Fraud Investigations Unit of Lahav 433; the source does not state the case number or the specific statutory provisions.

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