News / Palestine

Netanyahu’s wife undergoes lie detector test over graft

Monday, 04 September 2017 5:19 AM [ Last Update: Monday, 04 September 2017 10:30 AM ]

This file photo taken on June 06, 2017 shows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara waiting for the arrival of Ethiopian Prime Minister and his wife ahead of a welcoming ceremony at the PM's office in Jerusalem al-Quds. (Photo by AFP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wife has undertaken a lie detector test after being accused of misusing public funds.

Netanyahu family lawyer Yossi Cohen told Israeli public radio on Sunday that Sara Netanyahu "took the test" that he described as "very tough" and "humiliating."

He further said the premier’s wife underwent the examination at a privately operated polygraph facility, without elaborating on the questions she was asked or the test results.

Sara Netanyahu was questioned last month on suspicions she used state funds for personal housekeeping expenses at the couple's official and private residences.

Private broadcaster Channel Two said at the weekend that the attorney general was expected to indict her by September 10. However, the results of the polygraph test are not admissible as evidence in Israeli criminal trials.

Netanyahu himself is facing corruption charges.

Police have been interrogating Netanyahu over allegations that he unlawfully accepted lavish gifts from wealthy supporters and separately held talks with the publisher of a top-selling Israeli newspaper for positive coverage in exchange for diminishing the impact of a free pro-Netanyahu daily.

The four-term premier has rejected any allegations of misconduct saying repeatedly that he is the target of a campaign by political opponents. His family spokesman said Netanyahu would withstand what he described as a "witch-hunt" designed to force him from office.

Earlier this month, a former chief of staff to Netanyahu agreed to testify against him in the two cases involving the premier, after he reached an agreement with the prosecutors.

Protesters urge Netanyahu’s imprisonment

On Saturday night, hundreds of Israelis staged a protest near the attorney general's house in the city of Petah Tikva, calling for the imprisonment of Netanyahu.

The rally is part of a weekly demonstration against government corruption. The demonstrators have long criticized Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit’s handling of the investigations into Netanyahu and urged him to quit.

Protesters also staged similar rallies in Jerusalem al-Quds, Tel Aviv and Nes Ziona.

This week’s protests also denounced Israel’s Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon for not coming out publicly against Netanyahu and his wife.

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