Kfar Saba mayor's wife breaks down as remand extended

A court in Rishon Lezion extended the detention of Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife Meital by four days on Monday. The decision came at the request of police, who asked to complete additional investigative steps in the case.

The investigation, conducted by the National Unit for Fraud Investigations (Yahah) at Lahav 433, centers on suspicions of serious financial irregularities and allegations that Meital was involved in running municipal affairs behind the scenes.

A source familiar with the case described it, according to a Mako report, as "sensitive, explosive and highly complex," adding that investigative teams including accountants and economists are now examining "every single shekel" allegedly transferred to the mayor or his associates.

Today's court hearing (Photo: Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

Charged moments unfolded during the hearing when Meital broke down crying. Since the investigation began, she has chosen to maintain her right to silence on the advice of her attorney, Adv. Chaya Zion Zachai.

Adv. Zion Zachai described her client's difficult condition and told the court: "My client is in a very difficult mental state. She has lost five kilograms." The defense requested that alternatives to her detention be examined.

Meanwhile, sources close to the investigation report that it is progressing to investigators' satisfaction. Mayor Rafi Saar continues to maintain that he was unaware of money his wife received or of her involvement with various figures in the municipality.

The raid on the mayor's home and office was carried out following an undercover investigation that lasted over a year. During the raid, large amounts of cash, luxury handbags and expensive watches were seized. The central suspicion is that the mayor and the director of the municipal economic company, with unusual involvement by the mayor's wife, acted to benefit various parties in exchange for bribes given primarily in cash.

In a related development in the case, another businessman who had been suspected of involvement was released at this stage under restrictive conditions.

The investigation continues.