Presidential rape accusations

Tel Aviv, Israel

Prosecutors said this week they were preparing to charge Israeli President Moshe Katsav with rape. Police said 10 women alleged that Katsav assaulted or harassed them during the course of the last decade. At least two of the charges are credible and serious enough to warrant a trial, authorities said. Katsav, a longtime Likud Party member, may also be charged with illegal wiretapping and misappropriation of funds. Katsav canceled an appearance before the Israeli parliament this week, after members said they intended to refuse to rise at his entrance. The Israeli presidency is a largely ceremonial post, elected by parliament, with the president serving as a kind of moral authority. Katsav, 60, is expected to resign if charged.