Sara Netanyahu: is she the power behind Israel's PM?

>>Whether dining opposite US President Donald Trump or accompanying her husband on an official Pentagon visit, Sara Netanyahu’s front-row role in Washington last week has sparked fresh questions over her place in Israeli politics.

- MICHAEL BLUM

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's third wife and the mother of two of his children, Sara Netanyahu has long made headlines, notably for her alleged involvement in the political decisions of her husband.

"My wife and I..." is a phrase often used by the Israeli premier in his statements, helping to cement Sara's position at the forefront of public life. However, he denies she exerts undue influence behind the scenes.

Last week, as the prime minister visited Washington for a series of high-level meetings in which he discussed a potential Gaza ceasefire deal with the US president, his wife was noticeably present. On Tuesday, she was photographed sitting opposite Mr Trump at an official dinner following a meeting between the two leaders.

Two days later, she appeared next to her husband, as well as US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his wife, Jennifer Rauchet, as they arrived for meetings at the Pentagon.

But speculation had swirled even before the Netanyahus’ departure for Washington.

On the eve of the trip, the prime minister's office announced the resignation of his spokesman Omer Dostri.