Kfar Saba Mayor's Wife Faces Extended Detention in Public Corruption Probe

Police are gathering new evidence strengthening suspicions against Meital Saar, wife of Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar, regarding severe public corruption offenses. Investigators from the National Fraud Unit (Lahav 433) are questioning the couple alongside a businessman linked to the affair.

Court Proceedings and Remand

On Monday, the couple will be brought before the Rehovot Magistrates' Court, where police will request another extension of their detention. The two remain in custody following the release of Sagi Chen, CEO of the Kfar Saba Economic Company, to house arrest under restrictive conditions.

On Friday, the Central District Court in Lod rejected the police appeal against Chen's release. Senior Judge Yaakov Shapira ruled that the investigation concerning him is not yet complete and that reasonable suspicion and fear of obstruction of justice exist, yet concluded that release conditions could remain in place.

The Loan Suspicion and Silence

Meital Saar continues to exercise her right to remain silent upon the instructions of her attorney, Chaya Zion Zakai, who cited Saar's medical and psychological condition.

"The directive was given against the background of my client's fragile mental state," attorney Zion Zakai stated regarding the decision to remain silent.

As part of the investigation, authorities are examining the involvement of Kfar Saba businessman Efraim (Efi) Kahlon. Police suspect that in April 2026, a 2.5 million shekel loan document was executed for Meital Saar, signed by a company under his ownership, potentially masking bribe money.

Public Reaction in Kfar Saba

The arrests have sent shockwaves through Kfar Saba and Hod HaSharon. Acquaintances describe Mayor Rafi Saar warmly, though severe criticism has emerged regarding his wife's alleged interference in municipal affairs.

• Meital Saar allegedly used her unofficial title to exert influence behind the scenes.

• Investigators have frozen a bank account tied to the Talia event hall in Even Yehuda due to the probe.

• Approximately 100 suppliers are currently awaiting payments amid frozen business assets.