Sara Netanyahu faces lawsuit over allegations of racism and mistreatment

Rami Ben Hamo, a former employee at the Israeli Prime Minister’s residence, has filed a lawsuit against the Prime Minister’s Office seeking 450,000 NIS (approximately $150,000) in damages. Ben Hamo, who worked at the residence for nearly three years, alleges he was subjected to systemic mistreatment, verbal abuse, and racial insults by Sara Netanyahu, the wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The lawsuit claims that Mrs. Netanyahu used derogatory language regarding Ben Hamo’s Moroccan heritage, specifically referring to him as an “uncivilized Moroccan” or “undeveloped Moroccan.” Furthermore, the plaintiff alleges he was forced to perform demeaning tasks, such as cleaning the soles of Mrs. Netanyahu’s shoes with wet wipes, and was subjected to illegal working hours and constant shouting.

Ben Hamo stated that the stress of the working environment contributed to a medical emergency involving a heart-related episode in early 2025. The Netanyahu family has categorically denied all allegations, describing them as “fake news” and a politically motivated “witch hunt” intended to damage the Prime Minister’s political standing ahead of upcoming elections.