Two men arrested in separate investigations as Israel Police fights to reduce polygamy

The Israel Police's Polygamy Unit recently made two arrests in separate investigations aimed at reducing polygamy. In one case, an 83-year-old Rahat resident was arrested on suspicion of marrying multiple women, including five Palestinian Authority residents who were staying in Israel illegally. This suspect is also the father of 45 children and was released under house arrest. In a separate investigation, a 40-year-old man from the Negev was arrested at Ben-Gurion Airport upon returning from his honeymoon with his third wife. He was also released under restrictive conditions. The Israel Police Spokesperson's Unit stated that polygamy is "an invalid and serious phenomenon, with broad consequences, including harm to women, minors, and the family and community fabric." Both investigations are ongoing.