Binyamin Netanyahu
Binyamin NetanyahuYonatan Sindel/Flash 90

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has bid farewell to long-time Likud minister Silvan Shalom, who retired from politics Sunday following a series of sexual harassment complaints filed against him. 

At the Likud faction meeting on Monday afternoon, Netanyahu made note of Shalom's contributions to the State of Israel during his 23 years of political life. 

"I thank Minister Shalom for his many years of service to the state and I think he made the right decision" in resigning, Netanyahu stated. 

The Prime Minister then welcomed the Likud party's incoming MK, attorney Amir Ohana. "I'm sure he will also make a great contribution to the movement and the state."

Shalom announced his resignation on Sunday night, several days after the allegations against him first surfaced. 

"For 23 years, I have served with dedication and belief in the public as an MK and minister in different agencies, with a sense of mission and a desire to promote the most important social and public causes," Shalom stated. 

"I am disgusted with the suffering that has been endured by my family - my wife, my children and my mother," he continued. "My family fully supports me, but there is no justification for the price they are being asked to pay." 

"In these circumstances I have decided to resign my duties as minister and member of the Knesset," he concluded.