Israeli minister accused of sexual harassment

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Senior Israeli minister resigns after at least 7 women say that he sexually harassed them

The Associated Press
First posted: Sunday, December 20, 2015 02:40 PM EST | Updated: Sunday, December 20, 2015 03:09 PM EST

Then Israeli Energy Minister Silvan Shalom listens during an interview with Reuters at his office in Tel Aviv May 21, 2013. Shalom, a veteran politician in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party, resigned on December 20, 2015 following allegations that he had sexually harrassed several women during his career, state media reported. (REUTERS/Nir Elias)

JERUSALEM -- A top official in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party is resigning amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Silvan Shalom said in a statement Sunday that he is stepping down. He has denied the allegations.

Israel's attorney general has ordered police to investigate after at least seven women said Shalom sexually harassed them.

Shalom is one of Israel's best-known politicians. He previously served as foreign minister and finance minister, and is married to a wealthy socialite from an influential Israeli family.

Shalom is the latest Israeli politician accused of sexual misconduct. The police anti-fraud chief is under investigation and another lawmaker in Netanyahu's governing coalition resigned last month, both amid similar allegations. Former Israeli president Moshe Katzav is serving a prison sentence for rape.