Rabbi from Netivot, Suspected of Sex Offenses, Delivered a Lesson at an IDF Base

Rabbi Chaim David Yosef Abarg’il from Netivot, who is suspected of sex offenses within his community, recently visited an IDF base to deliver a religious lesson to soldiers.

Abarg’il leads a large community of thousands of followers and is currently working to establish a new political party intended to run in the upcoming Knesset elections. According to sources familiar with the matter, the party is expected to target voters who are disillusioned with the Shas party.

As a reminder, Rabbi Abarg’il was investigated by the police on suspicion of sexual assault within his community. He was detained for several days and subsequently released to house arrest. The investigation has caused significant turmoil within the community where he has been active for many years.

In an official response, the IDF stated:

“The rabbi in question was invited following a request by the wife of a career service member stationed at the base, whose young son passed away about a month ago. We emphasize that the lesson took place as a voluntary activity and there was no obligation to participate.”

Previously, Channel 12 revealed the testimony of a woman who claims the rabbi sexually harmed her. In her statement, she described viewing him as an authority figure capable of providing guidance, but noted that during a personal crisis, he acted against her wishes.

In the published testimony, the woman stated:

“I kept asking him to leave me alone, but he grabbed me, turned my back to him, and hugged me tightly, running his hands over my entire body.”

She describes how he touched her in intimate areas while claiming that he “loves her so much,” that “many people have hurt her,” and that he would “protect her,” even as he was the one causing her harm.