Kfar Saba Mayor Faces Corruption Probe as Municipality Warned Over Building Surveys

The corruption investigation surrounding Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Sa'ar has expanded as police examine multiple municipal contracts, real estate projects, and financial transactions. Lahav 433's National Fraud Investigations Unit previously arrested Mayor Sa'ar, his wife Meital Sa'ar, and several business figures over suspected bribery, fraud, breach of trust, money laundering, and tax offenses.

Financial Transactions and Family Testimony

Investigators are scrutinizing whether the mayor had knowledge of his wife's actions. Meital Sa'ar maintained during questioning that she acted independently, though police presented documentation suggesting potential awareness. Meanwhile, business figures Eitan Sapir and Ephraim Kahlon were released under restrictive conditions including house arrest and travel bans.

The inquiry also examined nearly 180,00arded to her daughter Meital for safekeeping. Rivka Benadi initially claimed the funds originated from compensation as a terror victim, but bank records indicated those funds remained untouched, prompting her revised statement.

Land Enforcement Warnings

Separately, the Land Enforcement Authority issued a formal warning to Kfar Saba municipality, city council members, and the local planning committee over failure to submit a mandatory property survey detailing suspected building violations. The municipality was given 14 days to deliver the mapping document or face an externally appointed contractor at double the standard cost.

While authorities noted this administrative failure is not formally linked to the ongoing corruption probe, it adds mounting pressure on municipal leadership. The Kfar Saba municipality stated in response that it operates in accordance with the law and recently committed during a council meeting to initiate the required survey.