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Jerusalem – The Israeli police have launched a criminal investigation into Sara Netanyahu over allegations that she attempted to intimidate a key witness in the corruption trial of her husband, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The probe, initiated on December 26, 2024, follows a report by Channel 12’s investigative program “Uvda,” which alleged that Sara Netanyahu directed a campaign to discredit and harass witness Hadas Klein.
The State Attorney’s Office confirmed the investigation in response to an inquiry by MK Naama Lazimi of the left-wing Democrats party. Lazimi, who has been outspoken about the case, described the allegations as serious offenses that demand accountability.
Allegations of Witness Intimidation
The “Uvda” report claimed that Sara Netanyahu instructed Hanni Bleiweiss, the late aide of the prime minister, to organize protests and an online smear campaign against Klein.
The goal was allegedly to pressure Klein before or during her testimony in Case 1000, in which Prime Minister Netanyahu is accused of accepting lavish gifts—cigars, champagne, and jewelry—valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars, much of it allegedly at Sara Netanyahu’s request.
Following the report, Lazimi and her aides filed complaints with the attorney general, the head of the Israel Police’s Lahav 433 anti-corruption unit, and State Attorney Amit Aisman.
Three of Lazimi’s aides also submitted complaints in person at the Lev Tel Aviv police station and provided instructions for others to do the same through online platforms.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and State Attorney Aisman announced the investigation on December 26, citing suspicions of witness harassment and obstruction of justice.
Sara Netanyahu’s Legal History
Sara Netanyahu, who has denied any wrongdoing, has previously faced legal scrutiny. In 2019, she was convicted of misusing approximately $50,000 in state funds to purchase catered meals, despite the presence of an in-house chef at the Prime Minister’s Residence.
The conviction was part of a plea bargain that avoided a more severe penalty.
While she remains a prominent and controversial public figure, this latest investigation places additional legal and political pressure on the Netanyahu family, already entangled in multiple corruption cases.
Klein Speaks Out
In an interview with Channel 12 on January 10, 2025, Klein said she felt vindicated by the revelations in the “Uvda” report.
She claimed the intimidation tactics, which she described as aggressive and relentless, had caused significant distress, even leading her husband to fear for her safety.
Klein also appeared to confirm a separate report by Haaretz alleging that Israeli President Isaac Herzog had taken part in the intimidation efforts—a claim that Herzog has strongly denied.
Political and Legal Implications
The investigation has intensified political tensions in Israel, with opposition lawmakers calling for transparency and swift legal action. Lazimi, in a statement, emphasized the importance of accountability.
“The prime minister’s wife is a convicted felon and, as we learned in the investigation, acted to harm prosecution officials and discredit a witness—very serious offenses for which she must be brought to justice,” Lazimi said.
With the investigation still unfolding, it remains to be seen whether Sara Netanyahu will face formal charges. Meanwhile, the prime minister’s own corruption trial continues, with the latest allegations adding another layer of complexity to an already high-profile case.