Israel: Netanyahu's wife convicted of fraud

By Osama al-Ghassani

JERUSALEM (AA) – An Israeli court on Sunday convicted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wife, Sara, of fraudulently using public funds to pay for expensive restaurant meals, according to local media.

Sarah Netanyahu was ordered to pay 55,000 shekels ($15,277), Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported.

The conviction came on the basis of a deal between the Israeli public prosecutor and Sara Netanyahu's lawyer under which she pleaded guilty to the charges in return for payment of the amount mentioned.

On Sunday, Netanyahu arrived at the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court and admitted to buying meals from luxury restaurants, despite the constant presence of a chef at the prime minister's government residence.

Sara Netanyahu will pay a fine of 10,000 shekels (some $2,777), and reimbursement of 45,000 shekels (some $12,500) to the state coffers in exchange for a lesser charge of "deliberately exploiting the mistake of others".

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat