Israeli attorney general orders probe into report that alleged Netanyahu’s wife harassed opponents

Fri Dec 27 11:11:30 UTC 2024: ## Netanyahu’s Wife Under Investigation for Harassment

**Jerusalem, December 27, 2024** – Israel’s Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has ordered a police investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, on suspicion of harassing political opponents and a key witness in the Prime Minister’s ongoing corruption trial.

The investigation stems from a recent report by the investigative program “Uvda,” which uncovered WhatsApp messages allegedly showing Sara Netanyahu instructing a former aide, Hanni Bleiweiss (deceased), to organize protests against political rivals and intimidate Hadas Klein, a witness in the corruption case. These messages reportedly detail instructions to target prosecutors and smear opponents through social media campaigns. The messages also suggest Mrs. Netanyahu encouraged police crackdowns on anti-government protesters.

While the Attorney General’s announcement did not name Sara Netanyahu, Prime Minister Netanyahu released a video vehemently denying the allegations, calling the report “lies” and accusing his political opponents and the media of a smear campaign against his wife. He cited his wife’s charitable work.

This latest development adds to the ongoing legal troubles surrounding the Netanyahus. Benjamin Netanyahu is currently on trial for fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes. He maintains his innocence, claiming he is the victim of a “witch hunt.”

Sara Netanyahu has faced previous accusations of abusive behavior toward staff and misuse of public funds, including a 2019 fine for misusing state funds. Her alleged actions have drawn criticism and fueled perceptions of her being out of touch with ordinary Israelis.

The investigation has sparked immediate political fallout. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for the Attorney General’s dismissal, while Justice Minister Yariv Levin criticized the investigation as focusing on “television gossip.” Both are allies of the Prime Minister and have previously clashed with the Attorney General.

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