Former Likud MK subject of sexual harassment probe

Police investigate Michael Ratzon after numerous employees submit sexual harassment complaints against him.

By BEN HARTMAN
michael ratzon smiling 248 88 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
michael ratzon smiling 248 88
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
Former MK and deputy minister Michael Ratzon is the subject of a police investigation after a number of employees submitted sexual harassment complaints against him, it emerged on Sunday.
The allegations were made by a number of female employees of NTA – Metropolitan Mass Transit System Ltd, where Ratzon serves as chairman.
A report on Ynet, which broke the story, stated that the allegations involve verbal harassment, and at least one case of physical abuse.
Ratzon denied the claims outright in a 400-word statement he released on Sunday, calling them part of a “planned, organized, and baseless attack” meant to destroy his reputation.
Ratzon further alleged that the complaints were organized by people within and outside of NTA, who disapproved of the managerial decisions he had made and were looking to remove him from the company, which manages the Tel Aviv light rail project.
“If even by mistake I expressed myself in ways that hurt employees I take full responsibility and apologize, but this is not whats happening,” said Ratzon, who served as an MK for the Likud in the 13th and 16th Knessets.