Rishon Lezion Deputy Mayor to Be Released to House Arrest After Five Days in Custody

The deputy mayor of Rishon Lezion, suspected of sexual offenses against a female municipal employee, is expected to be released to house arrest on Monday after five days in police custody. The extension of his detention was granted by the Rishon Lezion Magistrate's Court last Thursday, citing concerns over public safety and potential interference with the investigation. The police initially sought an eight-day extension but are now likely to agree to his release under restrictive conditions.

The investigation began following a complaint filed on August 2 by a city employee, alleging two separate incidents of sexual offenses. The suspect faces charges including non-consensual penetration, indecent acts without consent, and abuse of authority in a workplace context involving a woman over 18. Currently, there is one complainant, but authorities continue to investigate whether there are additional victims.

The deputy mayor denies all allegations, claiming the accusations are part of a revenge campaign by city employees. He asserts that over the past year and a half, he took disciplinary actions against workers who falsely reported their attendance and implemented biometric fingerprint attendance tracking. He also reported receiving threats and defamatory messages on municipal employee WhatsApp groups and filed a complaint with the police prior to the sexual offense allegations.

His defense attorneys requested his release to house arrest during the previous hearing, arguing that the investigation could continue under such conditions. Police opposed this, stating the inquiry was still in its early stages and that further investigative steps were necessary. The suspect provided a statement but refused to disclose his mobile phone access code, which police believe could help verify his account. After additional investigative progress, police are now expected to consent to his release under restrictive conditions.