Citing a Monday Yedioth Ahronoth story, the Times of Israel reported that Israeli public broadcaster Kan is second guessing its decision to consider Refaeli as a host for the show.
"We will have to reconsider her nomination," a unidentified source with Kan was quoted as saying in the Yedioth report. "Professionally, there is no question. She had an excellent audition. But the tax affair poses a problem for us."
Kan officials are reportedly concerned that Refaeli won't be able to fully commit herself to the show's rehearsals if her legal woes with the Israeli Tax Authority continue. Some higher-ups are also reportedly uneasy about the potential ethical and public image issues that could arise from the model playing host.
The only confirmed hosts for the show are Israeli TV personalities Erez Tel and Assi Azar, along with Kan presenter Lucy Ayoub.
Refaeli was notified last Thursday that she would be facing an indictment for a series of tax evasion offenses that include money laundering. She is also facing a perjury charge in connection to her June 2017 court testimony in which she denied fraud accusations being made against her by tax officials.
After being tipped off to Refaeli's alleged schemes, investigators used a tracking device for a period of two years to prove that the Hod HaSharon native was primarily living in Israel at apartments owned by her relatives.
The model's parents, Tzipi and Rafi Refaeli, may also face money laundering and tax evasion charges in a separate fraud case announced by tax authorities.
