Israeli ‘harem’ leader Goel Ratzon charged with rape and incest

The indictment against Goel Ratzon, 60, says that he positioned himself as a “godlike” figure to the women, whom he enticed into a worship of him that included following a “rulebook” that dictated their lives.

He sired at least 49 children with his “wives”, who tattooed themselves with his face and name, and is also accused of raping underage girls.

Ratzon created an “image of an omnipotent one who was blessed with supernatural powers and the ability to heal, destroy and cast curses”, police said. “Through this total control the defendant led the women to completely scrap their character and devote their existence to satisfy his needs, including his financial and sexual needs.”

In a documentary produced by Israeli television last year, Mr Ratzon’s wives were filmed feeding him and stroking his grey beard and wispy hair.

Police said that his wives have now “sobered” and are coming forward with evidence against him. Almost all of the women incriminated him when questioned, they said, and will testify during the trial.

Mr Ratzon maintained his innocence when speaking outside his hearing at the Tel Aviv Magistrates’ Court yesterday.