PM’s bureau chief, a close confidant, to step down

Natan Eshel, head of the Prime Minister’s Bureau, is expected to step down from his position, following a plea bargain with the civil services comission in the sexual harassment case against him. Eshel has been on a forced vacation from his post since the beginning of the month.

The case began when coworkers brought forth allegations that Eshel was acting inappropriately toward a fellow female employee, known as R. The alleged behavior includes following R., taking photos of a sexual nature, and accessing private emails. R. elected to not take the stand against Eshel, preferring to remain anonymous, although according to a Maariv report 28 people were ultimately questioned in the investigation.

As part of the plea bargain deal, approved on Sunday, Eshel admitted misconduct in the affair, despite the fact that the evidence presented was circumstantial. He will receive a “severe reprimand” and be forced to leave his position and retire from public service by March 1.

In an official statement released on Sunday, Eshel cited the “heavy financial burden” to clear his name as a major factor in his decision, along with his age, his health and family considerations.

“The past month I have been under terrible attack, in the heart of a storm that made my life and the life of my family into a nightmare,” he said. “I decided, in consultation with my wife and children, to accept the arrangement, receive the light disciplinary action, quit my job and continue with my life.”