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.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Quiz of The Week: 15 – 21 NovemberQuiz Have you been paying attention to The Week’s news?
-
Can the UK do more on climate change?Today's Big Question Labour has shown leadership in the face of fraying international consensus, but must show the public their green mission is ‘a net benefit, not a net cost’
-
The Week Unwrapped: Will US Catholics rebel against the Pope?Podcast Plus what are the ethics of freezing your late partner?
