David Keyes: Netanyahu aide steps aside amid sexual misconduct claims Published duration 13 September 2018

image copyright Reuters image caption David Keyes was appointed Benjamin Netanyahu's foreign media spokesman in 2016

A senior aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is taking a leave of absence following a series of sexual misconduct allegations.

David Keyes said he wanted to clear his name from "false and misleading accusations".

The Times of Israel says that 12 women have accused him of inappropriate behaviour.

The other 10 women have asked to remain anonymous, the Israeli newspaper reported.

In a statement on Thursday, Mr Keyes, 34, said he was "fully confident that the truth will come out".

"In light of the false and misleading accusations against me and in order not to distract from the important work of the prime minister, I have asked to take time off to clear my name," he said.

The Times of Israel says the allegations took place before Mr Keyes was appointed Mr Netanyahu's foreign media spokesman in 2016.

It quotes sources as saying that Mr Keyes had been asked to stay away from certain offices in New York because of his behaviour.

The prime minister's office said it had accepted Mr Keyes' request to take time off, the newspaper added.

Responding on Twitter to Ms Salazar's accusation, Ms Raice said: "I also had a terrible encounter with David Keyes once and 100% believe her. I knew this would come out about him at some point."

She accused Mr Keyes of having "absolutely no conception of the word 'no'" and described him as a "predator".

On Thursday, several Israeli politicians called on Mr Netanyahu to suspend Mr Keyes until the reports could be clarified.