The wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been charged with a series of crimes including fraud and breach of trust.

The Justice Ministry said Sara Netanyahu is accused of misusing public funds by ordering hundreds of meals to the prime minister's official residence while falsely stating there were no cooks on staff.

A former deputy director of the prime minister's residence has also been charged in the case.

Sara Netanyahu has for a long time faced allegations of abusive behaviour and living in a manner out of touch with the general public.

Mr Netanyahu also faces several police investigations into alleged corruption. He has denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the accusations against him and his wife as a media witch hunt.

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