Police are expected to summon witnesses next week to testify on funding for work carried out in former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private home in Caesarea, according to a report released on Friday.
The Ynet news site said the three witnesses included traders involved in the work.
Police are investigating suspicions that private work at Caesarea’s residence was paid for by the state under false pretenses. The Netanyahu are not currently suspected of wrongdoing.
Channel 12 reported on Thursday that the main issue was a hot tub installed in the residence, while Channel 13 highlighted renovations to the pool and lighting on Friday.
According to Channel 12, the work was carried out under the guise of an upgrade to the security of the property. Channel 13 reported that a renovation company is suspected of receiving state funds to perform unnecessary work at the Prime Minister’s official residence. At the same time, he carried out renovations to the house in Caesarea.
The Netanyahu family categorically denied the information, saying that since they bought the house 20 years ago, no hot tub has ever been installed inside. The family said all renovations to the private residence were paid for personally and approved by official supervisors.
Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, have been the subject of several investigations over the years on suspicion of illegally using public funds for their own needs.
In 2019, Sara Netanyahu was convicted in a plea bargain that saw her confess to “taking unfair advantage of a mistake” and illegally procuring catering services at the Prime Minister’s residence.
Her case was distinct from her husband’s legal issues, in which the former prime minister is accused of accepting illicit gifts, accepting bribes and attempting to arrange favors for them. media barons in exchange for positive media coverage.
Sara Netanyahu was a suspect in one of those cases, but prosecutors ultimately did not recommend that she be charged.
Benjamin Netanyahu denies the wrongdoing and says the indictments are part of an effort by his political rivals, the media, the police and prosecutors to restrain his power.
Comments are closed.