Key Takeaways:
– Sara Netanyahu, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife, is under police investigation on suspicion of political harassment.
– The Israeli Justice Ministry confirmed the investigation following an investigative report by the “Uvda” program that showcased incriminating WhatsApp messages.
– The messages suggest that Mrs. Netanyahu ordered the organization of protests against political rivals and intimidation of S. Klein, a key witness in netanyahu’s corruption trial.
– This development adds to the ongoing legal complications for the Netanyahus, including the prime minister’s ongoing corruption trial.
Investigation into Sara Netanyahu’s Actions
The wife of the Israeli Prime Minister, Sara Netanyahu, faces an ordered investigation into allegations of harassing political opponents and a critical witness in her husband’s corruption trial. The announcement came from Israel’s attorney general, stating that the focus would fall on the findings of a recent report by the Uvda investigative program.
A Closer Look at the WhatsApp Messages
Decoding the report, one uncovers a collection of WhatsApp messages resonating with a serious tone. It seems that Sara Netanyahu instructed a former aide to conduct protests aimed at political opponents. Additionally, she reportedly aimed to intimidate Hadas Klein, a witness with significant contributions to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s corruption trial.
Prime Minister Netanyahu Defends His Wife
Despite the looming allegations, Prime Minister Netanyahu strongly defended his wife. In a video statement, he criticized the Uvda report, dismissing its claims as fabrications. Expressing dismay, he castigated the attackers of Sara, citing the report as “false propaganda” and “nasty propaganda.”
The Netanyahus’ Legal Woes
The ongoing investigation into Sara Netanyahu presents another chapter in a long series of legal troubles burdening the Netanyahu family. Central to these is the prime minister’s corruption trial, where charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes weigh heavily on him. Balancing an already rocky relationship with the Israeli media, Netanyahu claims these accusations are the result of a media-driven witch hunt.
Details of the Report
The investigative report shed light on Sara Netanyahu’s correspondence with her late aide, H. Bleiweiss. The messages revealed how Netanyahu urged the police to handle anti-government protests harshly, even encouraging violent methods. She also pressed Bleiweiss to initiate demonstrations against her husband’s critics and asked her to solicit Likud party activists to defame Klein.
Who is Hadas Klein?
Hadas Klein plays a crucial role as an aide to the Hollywood tycoon, Arnon Milchan. She provided testimony in the corruption case, detailing her involvement in delivering luxurious gifts to Prime Minister Netanyahu on her boss’s behalf.
A History of Controversial Behavior
It’s not the first time Sara Netanyahu has faced allegations of abusive behavior, particularly toward her personal staff. Her previously excessive spending habits, funded by taxpayer money, have landed her unpopular attention. Such actions have created an image of distance between the prime minister’s wife and everyday Israelis.
Reaction from Government Ministers
Government ministers such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Justice Minister Yariv Levin have reacted sharply to the attorney general’s decisions. Ben-Gvir argued this investigation is another reason for Attorney General Gali Baharav Miara’s dismissal. Levin echoed this sentiment, accusing Miara of concentrating on “television gossip,” labeling this as “selective enforcement.” However, the investigation promises to unfold further details and provide more clarity in this ever-complicating matter that has consumed Israel’s topmost political echelons.