Prostitution

The arrests follow a months-long undercover investigation by the Israel Police, conducted in cooperation with Interpol and the Belorussian police forces.

Underlying the bill is the assumption that administrative fines, not criminal liability, is the best way to fight the phenomenon of prostitution.

Defense attorneys said law enforcement should be investigating specific alleged crimes and specific suspects.

Women brought to Israel from Moldova, Ukraine against will.

“The allegations are true. What I did was wrong, and I take full responsibility for my actions.”

Assi Ben-Mosh is accused of having been the ring leader of an illegal tourism network whose trips offered travelers drugs and underage prostitutes, among other criminal activities.

While prostitution in Israel is legal, pimping and brothels remain outside the law.

The Knesset's subcommittee on the subject of trafficking and prostitution met to discuss the government's efforts on further stamping out human trafficking.

“In many of the striptease clubs, prostitution activity is taking place for all intents and purposes, taking advantage of and distressing women hired to engage in striptease,” said MK Aliza Lavie.

Judge Michal Agmon-Gonen stated during the verdict that sex-related shows, such as strip shows, are an act of objectifying, degrading and offending women.