An indictment has been filed with the Tel Aviv District Court against a central Israel resident who is accused of killing his four-month-old son and abusing his daughter.
He is being charged with manslaughter, aggravated assault of a minor and abuse of a minor. The father expressed hope he will be proven innocent by the court.
The indictment suggests that while in his care last January the father, 38, forcefully grabbed his daughter causing her hemorrhages.
He also shook his son and punched his head twice which left the baby unconscious. The infant was quickly hospitalized and died two weeks later.
The defendant said in response, "I have mixed feelings. On the one hand I can't believe I'm actually being charged with killing my beloved son and it's very hard for me.
"On the other hand, deep down inside I waited for the indictment because I've been suffering from drawn out legal proceedings."
He further added, "I have been fighting only in the media for a whole year and as if that's not enough I very rarely get to see my daughter.
"I hope that good will eventually come of this bad situation, that my innocence will be proven and that I will unite with my daughter."