President steps aside

last updated 8 January 2015

Jerusalem

Israeli President Moshe Katsav temporarily removed himself from office this week, after Israel’s attorney general determined that there is enough evidence to charge him with sex crimes, including rape. The charges involve four women who worked for Katsav over the past decade, all of whom claim to have been coerced into sexual relationships; one is charging rape. When the allegations surfaced last year, Katsav promised to permanently resign if he is formally indicted, which could happen soon. Katsav has denied any wrongdoing and says he is the victim of blackmail. The Israeli presidency carries little real power; the post is meant to wield moral authority. Katsav’s predecessor, Ezer Weizman, resigned before his term was up after he was accused of taking bribes.