Israel Deputy Prime Minister submitted his resignation amidst several sexual harassment complaints filed against him.
According to The Star, PM Silvan Shalom rendered his resignation on Sunday to protect his mother, wife and five children from more disgrace. He stressed that his family is supportive of him and believed his innocence.
Mr. Shalom is married to journalist Judy Nir-Moses, a member of one of Israel's most well-known families. He is a leading member of the Likud Party and served as foreign and finance minister.
The site added that Israeli Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein started an inquiry into the claims, which forced Mr. Shalom out of the presidential race last year.
The allegations began with a former colleague who accused the minister of inappropriate touches which she did not reported to the police. However, the incident was reported in an Israeli newspaper. After the reports came out, other alleged victim stepped forward with the same stories.
Minister Shalom resigned after sexual harassment allegations bombarded his office, BBC confirmed. Mr. Shalom said he wanted to save his family from any more distress. Although, he denied the accusations, the attorney-general directed an investigations into claims against Mr. Shalom.
Fox News also reported that a top official of Likud Party led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is indeed in hot waters following the case of sexual misconduct. Mr. Shalom is considered as one of the best-known politicians who served as foreign minister and fiancé minister.
It was recalled by the site that Israel had been subjected to several high-profile cases in recent years. Yinon Magal, another member of PM Netanyahu's governing coalition, is under investigation for sexual misconduct while the police anti-fraud chief is under the same hot waters. In 2011, former President Moshe Katsav was put to jail for rape.
