Kfar Saba Mayor Interrogated for Hours in Municipal Corruption Probe
Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar was interrogated for hours in a municipal corruption probe, denying tender rigging and involvement in allegations against his wife.
The mayor of Kfar Saba, Rafi Saar, was interrogated for hours by police at the Lahav 433 national fraud unit (YEAH) regarding a municipal corruption investigation. Saar strongly denied all allegations, maintaining that his actions strictly adhered to municipal regulations and that the suspicions stem from a misunderstanding by investigators of local government procedures.
During the questioning, Saar explained that every request brought to his desk was handled with public responsibility and without favoritism. Addressing suspicions regarding tender rigging, Saar emphasized that he is not a member of the municipality's tender committee, which comprises six council members split evenly between coalition and opposition. He argued that he has no influence over or knowledge of the committee's decision-making process, urging investigators to review the formal procedures governing its work.
Investigation into Relatives and Upcoming Testimonies
Saar also rejected allegations concerning his wife, stating he was not involved in any unlawful actions attributed to her or connected to funds she allegedly received. His defense attorney, Micha Fetman, represented him during the proceedings. Meanwhile, police are preparing to summon professional staff and opposition council members from the Kfar Saba municipality in the coming days to examine administrative procedures and decision-making powers.
"One must understand the procedure and become familiar with it in order to grasp how decisions are made," Saar told investigators, denying any involvement in manipulating tenders.
Police are also investigating the case of Rivka Benadi, whose home was searched and where over 150,000 shekels in cash was seized. Benadi claimed the money came from compensation provided by the National Insurance Institute after she was recognized as a victim of hostilities during the conflict with Iran. Investigators are currently reviewing financial documents to verify her explanation before deciding on her continued detention.
