Sara Netanyahu

Following an investigative report describing messages in which Sara Netanyahu allegedly requested actions against opponents and intimidation of Hadas Klein, a key witness in Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, the Attorney General ordered an investigation. In April 2026, police referred the case with a recommendation to close it because of insufficient evidence.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Former employee Sylvie Genesia had accused Sara Netanyahu of humiliating and abusive behaviour. In 2026, her proceedings were closed following repeated procedural failures, and the court awarded Sara Netanyahu 120,000 shekels on her counterclaim.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

A canteen employee associated with the residence alleged that Sara Netanyahu had thrown tomatoes and olives at her and humiliated her. In 2026, she received several tens of thousands of shekels under a confidential agreement with the agency employing her.

Attribution

Personally implicated

In 2026, a former residence employee brought a claim for approximately 300,000 shekels, alleging shouting, humiliation and physical violence by Sara Netanyahu, including being pushed. The claim also contains a separate allegation involving Yair Netanyahu, reproduced in his record.

State of the evidence

Allegations

Attribution

Personally implicated

Israeli media reported in 2026 that Sara Netanyahu had participated in an interview with General Guy Markizano, a candidate for the sensitive post of the Prime Minister's military secretary, renewing allegations of informal family influence over state appointments.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Attribution

Directly implicated

Photographs distributed by Israeli official services were altered to improve Sara Netanyahu's appearance, and certain metadata or credits explicitly linked her name to the image editing. The affair prompted debate over the use of retouched photographs in official archives and communications.

State of the evidence

Documented

In 2026, media reported that Sara Netanyahu was pressing for long-term state-funded protection for herself and her sons after Benjamin Netanyahu left office. A ministerial committee ultimately approved lifetime protection for Sara and five years for the sons, despite reported professional objections.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

In Case 1000 against Benjamin Netanyahu, witnesses stated that Sara Netanyahu had requested or received champagne, jewellery and other gifts from Arnon Milchan and other wealthy associates. She was questioned, and her conduct was discussed at her husband's trial.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Shira Raban, a former cleaner at the residence, sued Sara Netanyahu, describing humiliation and abusive demands. In 2022, the court dismissed the claim after finding that the allegations were insufficiently proven.

Attribution

Personally implicated

In 2019, Sara Netanyahu reached a plea agreement in a case involving meals ordered using public funds while a cook was available at the official residence. She admitted a reduced offence and agreed to a financial penalty and repayment.

Attribution

Personally implicated

Sara and Benjamin Netanyahu sued journalist Igal Sarna, who had claimed that she had made her husband get out of their official car during an argument. In 2017, a court found the account unproven and awarded the couple damages.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Protagonist is the complainant

Police investigated several expenses and practices at the official residence beyond the meals case: the use of an electrician, garden furniture, bottle deposits and costs associated with assistance for Sara Netanyahu's father. Police reported finding potentially incriminating evidence, but several aspects were subsequently closed or did not lead to prosecution.

Attribution

Personally implicated

Former residence manager Meni Naftali sued the state following his employment at the Prime Minister's residence. In 2016, the labour court awarded him damages and described an abusive working environment, upholding several allegations of conduct attributed to Sara Netanyahu.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

A few months after the Naftali case, a labour court awarded approximately 120,000 shekels to former employee Guy Eliyahu, finding that he had experienced abusive and humiliating working conditions at the residence, particularly in connection with Sara Netanyahu's behaviour.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Lillian Peretz, a former family housekeeper, sued Sara Netanyahu, alleging humiliating and abusive working conditions. Sara brought a counterclaim. In 2012, both parties withdrew their proceedings under an agreement.

State of the evidence

Settlement

Attribution

Personally implicated

At the end of Benjamin Netanyahu's first term, Sara Netanyahu was questioned in an investigation concerning contractor Avner Amedi's invoices and the handling of gifts received by the family. Police examined her responsibility, but the Attorney General ultimately closed the case against her for insufficient evidence.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated