Identity released of former Netanyahu aide accused of sexual harassment

The report said that the former aide was accused of trapping the woman and insisting on a sexual act.

By GIL HOFFMAN, JPOST.COM STAFF
Updated: DECEMBER 1, 2016 16:39
Gil Sheffer with Netanyahu (photo credit: GPO)
Gil Sheffer with Netanyahu
(photo credit: GPO)
The identity of a former aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu whom authorities are investigating on suspicion of sexual harassment was released to the public  Thursday.
Gil Sheffer, who was named in the case, previously served as chief-of-staff in the Prime Minister's Office before leaving the post in 2014. He was close to Natan Eshel, his predecessor, who was dismissed over another sexual harassment scandal.
Sheffer was replaced by Ari Haro, who has been questioned separately in a case related to campaign fundraising practices for Netanyahu.
Sheffer's name was revealed after Channel 2 reported Wednesday that a senior former aide to Netanyahu was questioned by police under caution on suspicion that he sexually harassed a female performer.
The report said that the former aide was accused of trapping the woman and insisting on a sexual act.
The complaint against the former aide has been probed discretely over the past month. The former aide was released to house arrest for five days following the questioning.
The report said that the former aide offered the performer a ride home after her performance at an event. The two live in the same city. He then allegedly gave her alcohol and touched her against her will. He then took her to an apartment, where he insisted she perform for other people. He later dried to kiss her against her will
The alleged act did not take place while the former aide worked for Netanyahu, but he remains close to the prime minister and his wife Sara.
The former aide's lawyer said the police's probe would find that his client was innocent and the charges against him "ridiculous."