Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu's wife Sara Netanyahu convicted of misusing public funds

An Israeli court on Sunday convicted wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Sara, of fraudulently using state funds for meals, under a plea bargain which saw her mit to lesser charges.

Sara is by profession a child psychologist and she has two children with Netanyahu. 

Sara was found guilty of exploiting mistake of ar person and ordered to pay a fine and compensation, in a deal approved by Jerusalem magistrates' court justice Avital Chen.

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Netanyahu was also fined 10,000 shekels ($2,800) and ordered to reimburse state a furr 45,000 shekels, latter of which she will pay in nine installments, at her request.

" deal reached between sides is worthy and appropriately reflects deeds and ir severity on criminal level," Chen said in his ruling.

60-year-old, has a high-profile presence at her husband's side throughout his long tenure in office, was initially charged in June 2018 with fraud and breach of trust for buying catered meals despite presence of a cook at minister's official residence.

amended indictment, approved Sunday, dropped graft charges.

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As part of deal, Netanyahu mitted she illegally ordered meals at a cost of some 175,000 shekels, statement said.

According to indictment, between 2010 and 2013, Netanyahu, her family and guests "fraudulently (received) from state hundreds of prepared meals" ordered from a variety of Jerusalem businesses.

She has also faced accusations of mistreating staff, and in 2016 a court awarded some $47,000 in dams to a former housekeeper who accused a couple of repeated workplace abuse.

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Separately, Benjamin Netanyahu is facing possible indictment for bribery, fraud and breach of trust in months ahe and is reportedly seeking legislation that would result in him being granted immunity. He is up for re-election again in September 17 polls, second to be held this year after Netanyahu was unable to form a coalition following an April vote