Judge orders Netanya mayor held another day

The Rishon Lezion District Court extended to Tuesday the remand of Netanya Mayor Miriam Feirberg-Ikar, who was arrested last week on suspicion of taking millions of shekels in bribes to promote the interests of real estate developers.

Her attorney, Nati Simchoni, had sought to have Feirberg-Ikar released to house arrest, but police contended that 14 investigative actions needed to take place before her release. The judge, on Sunday, accepted the extension of Feirberg-Ikar’s remand on grounds of “reasonable suspicion.”

“Feirberg is confident that the investigation will ultimately make it clear that she was telling the truth,” Simchoni was quoted as saying by Ynet.

Police said Sunday the corruption investigation, termed “Case 255,” is “extensive” and concerns bribery, fraud, tax offenses and money laundering.

Earlier in the day, the court released contractor Avraham Tshuva to 15-days’ house arrest following which he is prohibited from entering the Netanya municipal building for 60 days.

The remands of three other suspects also were extended Sunday, including that of Feirberg’s son, Tzafrir, who also will be held for three more days. The detentions of attorney Avraham Gogig and architect Gabi Tetro were extended by four days.

All four were arrested September 5 in connection with the corruption investigation.

Municipal official Rabbi Shimon Sher, who was chairman of the Subcommittee for Planning and Building in Netanya, two contractors and an unidentified associate of a municipality official also were arrested Wednesday and remanded for six days in connection with the case.