Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Silvan Shalom resigned Sunday over accusations from several women that he sexually molested them.
The 57 year old said in a statement,while maintaining his innocence ..
I have had enough of the distress and I hope to protect my mother, wife and five children from further scandal. “My family stands behind me, but it is no longer worth the cost"
Shalom a leading member of the ruling right-wing Likud party , had previously served as foreign and finance minister.
Shalom is married to journalist Judy Nir-Moses, a member of one of Israel’s most prominent families.
Israeli newspaper Haaretz had reported about accusations from a former colleague who accused Shalom of attempting to touch her inappropriately. She chose not to go to police.
After the accusations became public, other women stepped forward with similar allegations.