Netanyahu’s wife faces probe into intimidating witness of Netanyahu’s corruption case
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Israeli police have initiated a probe into the alleged role of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s wife Sara Netanyahu in intimidating a witness and interfering her husband's ongoing corruption trial. She is also accused of orchestrating demonstrations against the former attorney general in December 2024.
The probe was prompted by a report from Channel 12's investigative program "Uvda," which uncovered WhatsApp messages suggesting that Sara Netanyahu directed Hanni Bleiweiss, a former aide to the prime minister, to organize protests and online campaigns against Hadas Klein, a key witness in one of the cases against her husband, The Times of Israel reported.
The investigation, ordered by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and State Attorney Amit Aisman, is being conducted by the Israel Police and the cybercrimes department of the State Attorney’s Office. The allegations extend beyond witness harassment, as Sara Netanyahu is also accused of orchestrating demonstrations against former attorney general Avichai Mandelblit and Deputy State Attorney Liat Ben Ari, both involved in her husband's legal proceedings.
In response to these revelations, numerous individuals, including Labor MK Naama Lazimi, filed complaints urging a thorough investigation into Sara Netanyahu's actions. Lazimi emphasized the severity of the allegations, noting that Sara Netanyahu had previously been convicted in 2019 for misusing state funds for personal expenses.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the allegations against his wife, denouncing them as part of a politically motivated smear campaign orchestrated by his adversaries and the media. He highlighted his wife's charitable activities and criticized the "Uvda" report as false propaganda.
The investigation has sparked a political backlash, with the prime minister's allies accusing the attorney general of engaging in political persecution. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Justice Minister Yariv Levin have both criticized the decision to investigate, alleging selective enforcement and calling for the attorney general's dismissal.