Global Jewish leader probed over Netanyahu fraud case
Ronald Lauder was investigated by Israeli police over alleged fraud involving the PM and his wife
Israel Police questioned Ronald Lauder in connection with a fraud investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while the World Jewish Congress president was in Israel for the funeral of Shimon Peres.
Lauder was called by the special investigations unit of the Israel Police to give testimony about Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, following the funeral last Friday, according to reports. Lauder and the Netanyahus reportedly are close friends, and Lauder has hosted the Netanyahus on several occasions.
The police request for Lauder’s testimony was first reported Tuesday night by Israel’s Channel 2.
Lauder reportedly said he would cooperate with the police investigation.
Since the current inquiry process is in its preliminary stages and not a full criminal investigation, the police could not travel outside of Israel to question anyone. The police waited for Lauder to enter the country in order to question him, Ynet reported.
Netanyahu repeatedly has denied any wrongdoing.
In July, Ari Harow, a California-born former chief of staff of Netanyahu, was held under house arrest in Israel for a week in connection with the investigation. Harow had been detained for questioning at Ben Gurion Airport and questioned for 14 hours in connection with suspected financial violations.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
