Five Arrested in Ashkelon Over Suspected Abuse of Toddlers in Daycares

Ashkelon police arrested a daycare owner and four caregivers on Wednesday on suspicion of assaulting toddlers aged one to three in two private daycare centers in the city. The arrests followed an investigation launched earlier in the week after a complaint was filed by the mother of one of the children, alleging violent conduct.

The investigation, which is being conducted by the Ashkelon police, uncovered suspicions of abusive behavior towards toddlers in both facilities, which reportedly operate under the same management. Evidence gathered by investigators has reportedly strengthened the suspicions against the five women, all residents of Ashkelon. They are suspected of assaulting several helpless minors while in a position of responsibility.

In parallel with the ongoing investigation, police will be contacting the parents of toddlers identified as potential victims in the coming days to take their statements and further clarify the circumstances of the incidents. The Ministry of Education also filed a complaint after a supervisor of daycare centers for children aged zero to three observed suspicious behavior by staff members on security camera footage and reported it.

The police stated they view the case with extreme gravity and emphasized their zero-tolerance policy towards harm to helpless individuals, especially toddlers. "The police will act decisively to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice," a police statement read. Depending on the investigation's progress and the evidence collected, the suspects may be brought before a judge for an extension of their detention.