Israeli Rabbi on trial for sexual abuse

A verdict in the case of Israeli rabbi Mordechai Elon, charged with five counts of indecent assault and indecent assault by force against two minors, is due Wednesday.

The allegations surrounding Elon have created a storm in the national-religious world in which the rabbi was a leading light until accusations of sexual impropriety against him.

The two main witnesses in the case, alleged victims known as Aleph and Bet, claim separately that Elon touched, kissed and stroked them in an inappropriate manner in private meetings.

The incidents in question date back to 2003 and 2005.

Elon, a former dean of the touted Yeshivat HaKotel institution, strenuously denies the allegations.