Deputy Mayor of Rishon Lezion Claims Brief, Consensual Contact Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

The deputy mayor of Rishon Lezion has acknowledged physical contact with a female employee but insists it was not a sexual relationship, describing the incident as brief and consensual while both were intoxicated. Speaking to Maariv, his lawyer stated the contact lasted only a few seconds and occurred in the deputy mayor's office. Meanwhile, the deputy mayor accuses the complainant's husband, who works under him in the municipality, of conspiring against him.

A municipal source told Maariv that the allegations were not surprising, noting that such incidents were known but victims were afraid to come forward. The source added that previous complaints had been made about the deputy mayor inviting women seeking municipal services to restaurants outside Rishon Lezion, allegedly as part of his attempts to assist them. It was claimed that these actions were widely known within the municipality, involving both female employees and residents who felt harassed.

Criticism was directed at the municipality for failing to take action despite awareness of the deputy mayor's behavior. The case is under judicial review at the Rishon Lezion court, with the deputy mayor denying wrongdoing and framing the episode as an isolated event. The allegations have sparked public attention amid ongoing concerns about sexual harassment in local government.