Prominent Religious Zionism figure Rabbi Mordechai Elon was indicted Wednesday for indecent acts against two minors.
The charges were filed with the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court and focus on offenses allegedly perpetrated in 2005.
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The Jerusalem District Prosecution claims that Rabbi Elon exploited his position as an educator and molested two teenagers on various occasions in 2003 and 2005.
Overall, the indictment covers five counts of forceful indecent act and abuse of authority.
Rabbi Elon. Exploited his position? (Photo: Gili Eliyahu)
The indictment alleges that Elon made unwelcome advances at the teenagers, touched them inappropriately and fondled them, all the while claiming it would help their emotional problems.
"These acts were perpetrated for the sole purpose of the defendant's sexual gratification," the prosecution stated.
The prosecution offered Rabbi Elon a plea bargain, under which he would have had to enter a guilty plea but would have been spared jail time, but he reportedly refused it. The defense claimed that under no circumstance would the rabbi admit to a crime he did not commit.
The indictment was sanctioned by Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein and State Prosecuter Moshe Lador prior to being filed with the court.
Rabbi Elon maintains that the charges are bogus.
He said he would fight for the truth and told his close associates, "I never did anything with my students for sexual stimulation. I won't confess to such a thing."
He added, "My behavior is apparently being construed in a different way to what actually happened. I never harassed anyone, let alone committed indecent acts. The indictment is baseless to the core and I shall prove my claims in court."