Two New Cases Added to Israel Police's Sex-scandal Roster

The Justice Ministry's police investigation unit has questioned two Israel Police commanders in the last two days due to suspicions that they committed sexual offenses.

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One was questioned for five hours on Monday concerning the possibility that he committed an indecent act on a young female volunteer who sought his assistance, allegedly attempting to kiss her against her will; she apparently fought off his advances.

The officer, who serves in the north, was ordered to stay away from all police facilities for 14 days.

The commander in question is said to have suggested a meeting with the volunteer in the lobby of a hotel. Out of concern for her own safety, the volunteer decided to tape their meeting. The recording is said to show the officer engaging in a sexually oriented conversation with her. She filed a complaint with the Justice Ministry.

Another police commander was summoned for questioning on Tuesday by the ministry's police investigation unit, after it received an anonymous complaint that the officer – serving in a senior post in one of the force’s flagship units – had harassed a policewoman who worked with him.

An third officer with the rank of commander was also questioned Tuesday on suspicion that he had been aware of the alleged acts of harassment but had failed to pass the information along to the relevant authorities.

The new cases come in addition to a number of other incidents involving allegations of police sexual misconduct on the part of senior officers in the force.

Earlier this month, the commander of the northern coastal district, Maj. Gen. Hagai Dotan, was questioned on suspicion of acts of sexual harassment and exploitation of his rank involving a number of policewomen who reported to him. Dotan has denied all of the allegations. At the same time, three cases of alleged harassment of policewomen by Moshe Ivgi, commander of the Be’er Sheva police, are also being investigated.

In recent months, three police major generals have left their positions following allegations of various types of sexual misconduct. Former Jerusalem District chief Niso Shaham is currently facing trial for the alleged offenses.

In addition, Deputy Police Commissioner Nissim Mor is suspected of committing an indecent act on a policewoman as well as sexual harassment and efforts to conceal evidence. He was dismissed from his post by Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino. Also, the commander of the Judea and Samaria district, Maj. Gen. Kobi Cohen, who is suspected of having sexual relations with a female subordinate, resigned from his position.