Accused bodyguard
Photo: Dudu Azoulay
DNA of IDF chief's bodyguard found on assault victim
Police say indictment against man who allegedly tried to rape women at Tel Aviv Port Friday night expected as early as next week
Cleared for publication: The DNA of the main suspect in the sexual assault of a 22-year-old woman at the Tel Aviv Port Friday night was found on her body.
The man, a captain in the IDF's VIP protection unit who also served as Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi's bodyguard, is suspected of attempted rape, sodomy and assault.
On Tuesday Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court Justice Avihai Doron ruled that there was sufficient evidence to link the suspect to the case.
The officer, who continues to deny the allegations, was subsequently remanded for an additional six days.
"There is unequivocal evidence connecting him to the case, which also refutes his initial testimony," said Justice Doron.
The officer was arrested for allegedly trying to rape the woman shortly after leaving his own bachelor party. Police later held a photo lineup but the woman failed to identify her attacker.
However, she did identify the suspect as the man who attacked her following a police confrontation between them.
Additional details of the investigation are still under a gag order. Police officials said an indictment against the officer is expected to be filed as early as next week.
