JERUSALEM  An Israeli who lived openly with at least 17 women and fathered dozens of children was ordered into court on Thursday on suspicion of enslavement, sexual abuse and possible rape.

The police said that the suspect, Goel Ratzon, was either 59 or 60, and was taken into custody Tuesday after a seven-month investigation. A news blackout on the case was lifted Thursday.

Mr. Ratzon, considered the “savior of the universe” by his followers, has aroused the curiosity of the public, the police and the social services for years, and was the subject of a television documentary last year. But so far he has not been charged with any crimes. He was legally married to one or two women, according to the police, though he considered all the women his wives.