A key witness in one of two civil cases against the Prime Minister's Office has accused Sara Netanyahu of assaulting and abusing her domestic employees.

Eti Chaim, a former cook in the prime minister's official residence in Jerusalem, told the regional labour court that Mrs Netanyahu repeatedly flew into drunken rages.

In one outburst, Mrs Netanyahu allegedly swept food and crockery off a table before telling her staff they had "five minutes to reset the table".

Ms Chaim also claimed Mrs Netanyahu hit her arm for handling crockery without washing her hands.

Ms Chaim - who was under a subpoena - had initially refused to testify in the case of Guy Eliahu, a former maintenance man who is suing the Prime Minister's Office over wrongful dismissal and mistreatment. She also said that on one occasion, after Mrs Netanyahu shouted at her, she fainted and the other employees were not allowed to order an ambulance. Her son had to come and take her to hospital instead, she said.

A heavy drinker who demands champagne throughout the day

In his testimony, Mr Eliahu said he was often called to the residence after midnight to warm up food for the prime minister and his family.

He also said that Mrs Netanyahu once summoned him back to the residence after midnight because he had left without bidding her good night.

Former housekeeper Meny Naftali is suing the Prime Minister's Office over similar allegations. He testified earlier this year that Mrs Netanyahu was a heavy drinker, demanding champagne throughout the day.

Representatives of the Netanyahu family have publicly accused Mr Naftali of having political motives and Mr Eliahu of being a gambler who is anxious to cover his debts.

Mrs Netanyahu, who denies the allegations, is due to testify to the court next month.