Netanyahu's wife faces possible trial over alleged misuse of public funds

Sara Netanyahu, aide are accused of falsely declaring there were no cooks at pm's official residence

The wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been formally told she faces a possible trial over alleged misuse of public funds, the justice ministry said on Friday.

"The attorney general has informed the counsel of Mrs. Sara Netanyahu, wife of the prime minister, that he is considering putting her on trial," it said in a statement.

Sara Netanyahu and an aide are accused of falsely declaring there were no cooks at the prime minister's official residence and that they ordered from outside caterers at public expense.

"In this way, hundreds of meals from restaurants and chefs were fraudulently obtained from chefs and restaurants at a cost of 359,000 shekels ($102,000, 85,000 euros)," the statement said.

Netanyahu himself is also under investigation for suspected corruption, and last month his former chief of staff signed a deal to testify on behalf of the state in probes involving the premier.

The investigations have stirred Israeli politics and led to speculation over whether Netanyahu will eventually be forced to step down, which he is only obliged to do if convicted.

He denies any wrongdoing.

Sara Netanyahu's lawyer said on Sunday that she had taken a voluntary lie detector test to try to dispel the allegations she misused public funds.

Results of polygraph testing are not admissible as evidence in Israeli criminal trials.