Sara Netanyahu: The Constant Wife Who Shaped Israel\’s Power

Beyond the Smiles: Sara Netanyahu’s Quiet Power in Israel

Sara Netanyahu, Israel’s first lady and mother of two senior children, has long sparked headlines for her alleged sway over her husband’s political agenda.
Her presence in high‑profile Washington meetings has reignited fresh debates about her real role in the kingdom’s state affairs.

On the Wing of a President

• During Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Washington visit, Sara sat opposite U.S. President Donald Trump at an official dinner, signaling her visibility in the relationship.
• Two days later, she accompanied her husband alongside U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his wife Jennifer Rauchet as they bounded for Pentagon talks.

Pre‑Trip Controversies

Before the trip, the prime minister’s office announced the resignation of his spokesman Omer Dostri.
Hours later, media reports claimed Sara was involved in the decision, prompting a statement denying her active role.

Trial by Tabloids

Sara Netanyahu has faced several investigations for corruption, fraud, and breach of trust, and has been questioned in connection with her husband’s ongoing graft trial.
Her 66‑year‑old age and marriage since 1991 made her a common target of media attacks that her husband routinely defends against.

Caricature and Peril

In satirical shows, she is mocked for her fashion choices and her profession as a child psychologist—an area she has often boasted about.
However, the most frequent critique focuses on her alleged interference in state affairs.

The “Real Prime Minister” Debate

In a December 2024 video, Prime Minister Netanyahu denied that Sara had any influence over cabinet appointments or that she was privy to state secrets.
The video followed an investigation by Israel’s Channel 12, which the prime minister called a “witch hunt.”

In 2021, a former senior official claimed to have seen a contract signed by the Netanyahus stipulating that Sara had a say in appointing Israeli security chiefs.
The prime minister’s office responded with a brief statement condemning “a complete lie.”
The official later lost a libel suit brought against him by the Netanyahus’ lawyer.

When the prime minister appointed David Zini as the new head of Israel’s Shin Bet security service in May, Israeli journalists again pointed to the possible influence of Sara Netanyahu, who is thought to be close to Zini’s entourage.

Strategic Influence in the Gaza War

Almost two years into Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza, Sara Netanyahu seems to have established herself as more indispensable than ever, with some even attributing her with increasing influence on strategic issues.

In May, when Sara corrected the number of living Gaza hostages given by her husband during a recorded meeting with the captives’ families, speculation swirled that she had access to classified information.

Opinions and Biographies

• Journalist and Netanyahu biographer Ben Caspit described Sara as the “real prime minister,” arguing that “the fact that a family-based management has dismantled the state’s leadership is becoming normalized.”
• In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu praised his wife as a “wonderful partner” and acknowledged her help over the years.

These narratives illustrate the complex interplay between personal influence and public governance in Israel’s political tapestry.