Israel Police arrests two men in separate polygamy investigations

Israel Police are intensifying efforts to combat polygamy, a practice that is illegal in the country, leading to the arrest of two men in separate investigations. The Polygamy Unit of the Southern District Police’s Central Unit has been at the forefront of these operations.

In one case, an 83-year-old man from Rahat was arrested on suspicion of marrying multiple women. Police investigations revealed that he allegedly married five women who are residents of the Palestinian Authority, and who were reportedly staying in Israel without legal permits. He is also suspected of marrying another Israeli woman as recently as April. The suspect, who reportedly has 45 children, was questioned on suspicion of polygamy and offenses related to harboring illegal residents, and was subsequently released under restrictive conditions, including house arrest.

A separate investigation led to the arrest of a 40-year-old man from Bir Hadaj at Ben-Gurion Airport upon his return from his honeymoon. Authorities received a report in July alleging he was married to two women and intended to marry a third. The third wedding reportedly took place on July 30. He was arrested in a joint operation by Southern District Central Unit detectives and Ben-Gurion Airport Police detectives. His third wife was questioned, and statements were collected from his two other wives. The suspect was questioned on suspicion of polygamy and released under restrictive conditions. Investigations into both cases are ongoing.

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Within the framework of the unit’s activities, complex investigations were carried out, suspects were arrested, an