Israeli media mogul resigns over sexual assault claims

An Israeli media mogul and Olympic official has resigned as president of the local Keshet broadcasting company amid accusations of sexual assault and harassment.

Alex Gilady said he is “temporarily stepping aside” until he proves his innocence.

The accusations began last week when Channel 10 TV journalist Oshrat Kotler said Mr Gilady made an “indecent” proposal during a job interview 25 years ago.

Haaretz columnist Neri Livneh then said he exposed himself to her during a 1999 business meeting at his home.Two other women said he had raped them.

Mr Gilady denied the rape accusations. He said he does not recall the Kotler incident but said Ms Livneh’s claim was “mainly correct” and apologised.

He founded Keshet and is also a former sports executive at NBC and Israel’s representative to the International Olympic Committee.