Likud MK summoned for questioning by police over sex offense charges

Likud lawmaker Hanoch Milwidsky was summoned for questioning this morning by police investigators, reportedly on suspicion that he committed sexual offenses.

The investigation, conducted by the police’s Lahav 433 major crimes unit, became public this morning as investigators took testimony from several people involved in the case, including Milwidsky, who was questioned as a suspect.

In an oblique statement, the Israel Police do not name Milwidsky or the allegations against him, but say that it summoned a sitting lawmaker for questioning earlier today. Officers detained two others involved in the case for questioning this morning, both on suspicion of obstruction of justice. These offenses are thought to have been committed before Milwidsky was elected to the Knesset, law enforcement notes.

According to police, investigators opened the covert investigation in 2022 and summoned the lawmaker only once they had established reasonable suspicion against him.

In a statement, Milwidsky says that he heeded the summons and showed up to be questioned by police, but accuses law enforcement of persecuting right-wing politicians.

“Political persecution has crossed all boundaries. The attorney general and the system she heads continue to trample democracy with a heavy hand and destroy the public’s trust,” his office says in a statement. “I will continue to act fearlessly for the goals of the right and for the entire nation.”

The Likud MK was recently backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to replace UTJ MK Moshe Gafni as head of the powerful Knesset Finance Committee, after the Haredi party exited the government. Milwidsky accuses law enforcement of capitalizing on that timing.

Milwidsky has faced multiple accusations in the past of sexual assault but has not to date faced any charges.