Zionist Union MK Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin on Wednesday said she accepted the apology of fellow lawmaker Eitan Broshi, also from the Zionist Union, for an incident in which he inappropriately touched her buttocks.
Broshi was forced to apologize to her after the incident was witnessed by party chairman Avi Gabbay, opposition whip MK Yoel Hasson, and others.
Nahmias-Verbin indicated that when she demanded an apology following the incident, Broshi initially ignored her.
According to eyewitnesses, Broshi did not realize the problematic nature of his actions and went about his day as if nothing had happened.
"I accepted MK Broshi's apology, from a place of strength, of confidence, as one who knows she did nothing wrong," Nahmias-Verbin said in a Facebook post, Wednesday evening.
"I know how to accept apologies, and I chose to do so [here], even after the information was leaked. I accept his apology," she said.
The embarrassing incident took place during a faction tour of the Gaza border last week when Broshi allegedly tried to get Nahmias-Verbin to move aside.
"A gesture that was supposed to be friendly came out the completely wrong way," Broshi said. "As soon as I understood the mistake, I apologized from the depths of my heart."
Female lawmakers defended Nahman-Verbias' response and excoriated Broshi.
"MK Broshi's sickening act has a name – it's called an indecent act," said fellow Zionist Union MK Shelly Yachimovich. "Broshi, I renounce you and your ilk. Time's up."
Meretz MKs Tamar Zandberg and Michal Rozin also expressed their solidarity in a joint statement. "We already know harassment doesn't spare strong women. We condemn Eitan Broshi's behavior and stand with Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin over the harassment she experienced and the way she chose to deal with it."
