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Serial Rapist Escapes From Israeli Jail; Massive Manhunt Underway

The escape from custody of one of Israel’s most notorious criminals has embarrassed police and prison officials and has triggered one of the most massive manhunts in the nation’s history. Thirty-four-year-old Benny Sela was serving a 35-year sentence for the serial sexual assaults of 14 women. He is suspected of having assaulted at least 40 others. Sela escaped police custody in a parking lot adjoining the Magistrate’s Court in Tel Aviv on Friday morning. Adding to the embarrassment of the police, it was reported that they were transporting Sela to a supposed hearing in a court that is closed on Fridays. Public Safety Minister Avi Dichter described the incident as a "humiliating failure."