Israeli Gynecologist Sentenced to 14 Years for Sexually Abusing Patients

The Tel Aviv District Court sentenced prominent Israeli gynecologist Menachem Alkalai to 14 years in prison on Thursday, October 8. He had previously been convicted of fraudulently raping nine of his patients, who ranged in age from 23 to 66. The sentencing comes more than four years after the case gained public attention through a Ynet journalistic investigation. Prosecutors had sought a minimum of 17 years. The court found Alkalai guilty in June 2026, determining that he exploited medical examinations and his authority as a doctor to engage in sexual acts under the guise of treatment. He intentionally massaged the clitoris of each of the nine complainants while simultaneously performing vaginal penetration, without their informed consent, convincing them it was a necessary medical procedure.

Professor Menachem (Meni) Alkalai formerly headed the urogynecology department at Sheba Medical Center and held a similar position in the gynecology and obstetrics department at Poriya Hospital. He also maintained a private practice in Modi'in and Ramat Gan. Expert medical testimony from Israeli and international specialists, presented by both the prosecution and defense, led the court to conclude that Alkalai's actions were unrelated to permissible medical procedures. The court established beyond a reasonable doubt that he knowingly and grossly violated gynecological and urogynecological examination protocols.

The court's verdict emphasized Alkalai's cynical abuse of patient trust, stating, "During this complex and delicate medical procedure, the patient completely trusts that behind the closed door of the examination room, she will not be harmed. In this situation, when the patient is alone with the gynecologist in the room, her faith in the integrity of the examination is a prerequisite for him and the sole protection against assault. Therefore, the defendant's abuse of the trust of each of his nine patients is a violation of the highest degree."

The case originated in 2021 with an investigation by Ynet and "Yedioth Ahronoth," with assistance from blogger Hani Malul. The investigation revealed testimonies from 35 of Alkalai's patients alleging sexual abuse, leading to further complaints and a total of 20 police reports. He was suspended from Sheba Medical Center but continued private practice until the Ministry of Health suspended his medical license. The indictment was filed in August 2024, detailing how he used his position, women's trust, and their physical vulnerability during examinations to fraudulently obtain consent.

Following the proceedings, the court recommended that the Ministry of Health establish regulations for the presence of a chaperone during gynecological exams. This measure aims to ensure a safe and respectful environment for patients, reduce fear and discomfort, protect them from assault, and mitigate the risk of misinterpreting a doctor's actions, while also safeguarding medical professionals from false accusations.