Israel PM Netanyahu's wife charged with fraud

Over alleged misuse of state funds in ordering catered meals at their official residence

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wife, Sara, was charged on Thursday with fraud for alleged misuse of state funds in ordering catered meals at their official residence, the Justice Ministry said.

The indictment charged that Ms. Netanyahu, along with a government employee, fraudulently obtained more than $100,000 for hundreds of meals supplied by restaurants, bypassing regulations prohibiting the practice if a cook is employed at the home.

She was charged with aggravated fraud and breach of trust, according to the indictment released by the Justice Ministry to the media.

Netanyahu not far off

The Prime Minister, who himself is embroiled in a series of corruption investigations, has called the allegations against his wife absurd and unfounded.

Ms. Netanyahu (59) has inspired a multitude of headlines in the past over what family spokesmen call an undeserved reputation for imperiousness.

It seemed unlikely the latest case could cause significant political damage to her husband, now in his fourth term as Israel's leader and riding high in opinion polls despite the allegations against him.