Two men arrested in separate investigations as Israel Police fights to reduce polygamy

Following a report received by the Police’s Polygamy Unit, an 83-year-old Rahat resident was arrested on suspicion of marrying multiple women, including five residents of the Palestinian Authority. In a separate case, a 40-year-old man from the Negev was arrested at Ben-Gurion Airport after returning from his honeymoon with his third wife.

An investigation launched by the Polygamy Unit of the Southern District Police’s Central Unit raised suspicions that the 83-year-old Rahat resident had married several women simultaneously over the years in accordance with Sharia law, and that five of his wives are not Israeli residents but residents of the Palestinian Authority. According to police, the five women had been staying in Israel without legal permits.

The man allegedly married another Israeli woman as recently as April. The investigation also found that the suspect is the father of 45 children. He was questioned by the Southern District Central Unit on suspicion of polygamy, as well as offenses involving harboring and transporting illegal residents. After questioning, he was released under restrictive conditions, including house arrest.

Last week, as part of the investigation, police located one of the suspect’s wives, a resident of the Dahariya area. She was taken in for questioning and was later removed from Israel.

Separate investigation leads to arrest of man after return from third honeymoon

In a separate investigation by the Southern District Police’s Polygamy Unit, authorities received a report in July about a 40-year-old resident of Bir Hadaj who was allegedly married to two women and intended to marry a third. According to police, the third wedding took place on July 30, and shortly afterward the suspect traveled with his new wife to Barcelona for their honeymoon.

On August 15, immediately after returning to Israel, the suspect was arrested in a joint operation by Southern District Central Unit detectives and Ben-Gurion Airport Police detectives. The third wife was questioned and provided testimony, while statements were also collected from the suspect’s two other wives, who live in his home.

The suspect was questioned on suspicion of polygamy and was released under restrictive conditions following the interrogation. During the investigation, police collected additional evidence allegedly linking him to the offense.

The investigations are ongoing, and the investigative unit intends to carry out additional investigative steps. Once all investigative actions are completed, the case files will be transferred to the Southern District Prosecutor’s Office for review and consideration of further legal proceedings.

Israel Police calls polygamy 'serious' phenomenon

The Israel Police Spokesperson’s Unit said:

“Within the framework of the unit’s activities, complex investigations were carried out, suspects were arrested, and indictments were filed for offenses of multiple marriages and related offenses, as part of the fight against the phenomenon and with the aim of significantly reducing it.

“This is an invalid and serious phenomenon, with broad consequences, including harm to women, minors, and the family and community fabric. The Israel Police operates against offenses related to multiple marriages, illegal residency, and any additional related offense, in accordance with its authorities and the law.

“Whenever information or a complaint is received by the police that raises suspicion of violence, exploitation, or harm to women or minors, actions are taken according to the circumstances, while providing assistance to victims of crime and in cooperation with welfare authorities and relevant bodies.”