World

Israeli PM's wife sentenced for misusing state funds

The wife of Israel's prime minister has been sentenced to pay a fine of roughly $15,000 for misusing state funds.

Sara Netanyahu accused running up large tabs at luxury restaurants

Sara Netanyahu has long faced allegations of living extravagantly on public funds. (Olivier Douliery/Getty Images)

The wife of Israel's prime minister has been sentenced to pay a fine of roughly $15,000 US for misusing state funds.

A Jerusalem magistrate court on Sunday accepted the plea bargain Sara Netanyahu signed with prosecutors to settle the allegations she misused some $100,000 in state money on lavish meals.

The State Attorney's office said the wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will pay additional fines to close the case, which accused her of running up large tabs at luxury restaurants while the official residence employed a full-time chef.

Sara Netanyahu was indicted on charges of fraud and breach of trust last year. The settlement saw her admit to more minor charges and reduced the overspending charge to $50,000.

The prime minister faces an indictment on separate corruption charges.