Arnon Giladi was named on Thursday as the senior official at the Tel Aviv Municipality who paid a 15-year-old for sexual acts. An investigation has officially been opened into the matter by Israel Police for sexual exploitation.
The allegation was first reported on Wednesday against the former deputy mayor of Tel Aviv, though his name was barred from publication at the time.
The man told N12 that, 13 years ago, when he was 15, he was allegedly paid by Giladi for sexual intercourse. Then, three years ago, according to the man, Giladi allegedly tried to convince him to agree to sexual acts for pay. He also claimed that Giladi touched him against his will.
Giladi is also the head of the Likud faction in the city, N12 noted.
After N12 aired the story, Giladi filed a complaint with Israel Police against the man for extortion and sexual assault, according to N12. The report added that the two complaints will be investigated simultaneously.