A Palestinian resident of Judea and Samaria who accompanied a relative for medical treatment at a hospital in central Israel sexually assaulted a doctor and a nurse there, according to charges filed on Tuesday.
The man, 44, had a permit to enter Israel’s pre-1967 lines to escort a family member to Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer in Ramat Gan.
According to the Israel Police, the suspect was arrested on July 1 after a doctor called hospital security from the parking lot and reported that a man had knocked her to the ground while trying to lift her skirt.
“I finished my shift and went out to the parking lot towards my car. A man I did not know quickly ran towards me, attacked me and tried to lift my dress,” she told police. “I fought with him until he let go and ran off.”
Police forces launched a manhunt and, using security camera footage, were able to capture the suspect inside the massive hospital compound.
During the probe, a second woman came forward, who reported being sexually assaulted by the suspect on June 29. The woman, a nurse at the hospital, said the suspect had tried to enter her parked vehicle late at night and attack her while exposing his genitals.
The Palestinian is suspected of violation of a legal order, attempted rape and an indecent act by force or threats, reports said. His arrest was extended until July 12, with an indictment set to be filed shortly.
