Deputy prime minister reportedly resigns over sexual harassment charges

December 22, 2015 5:45 PM

Shalom who is reportedly married to a journalist, Judy Nir-Moses, and a member of one of Israel’s prominent families is said to be a leading member of the ruling right-wing Likud party.

Deputy Prime Minister for Israel, Silvan Shalom

News reports have revealed that the Deputy Prime Minister for Israel, Silvan Shalom, resigned this past Sunday over sexual harassment claims from several women.

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Shalom who is reportedly married to a journalist, Judy Nir-Moses, and a member of one of Israel’s prominent families is said to be a leading member of the ruling right-wing Likud party.

According to reports, he had previously served as both foreign and finance minister.

Deputy prime minister Shalom, 57, revealed his intentions while insisting on his innocence, in a statement, saying:

"I have had enough of the distress and I hope to protect my mother, wife and five children from further scandal.

“My family stands behind me, but it is no longer worth the cost."

The Haaretz, an Israeli newspaper reported accusations from a former colleague of of the minister, who claims that Shalom had attempted to touch her inappropriately.

According to the reports, the unidentified female had not reported the incident to the police at the time.

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All the same, after the accusations were made public, more women came forward with similar allegations, which has finally led to the resignation of the minister.