Israeli President Moshe Katsav, who may be indicted on rape and other sexual assault charges, had his request for a leave of absence granted Thursday by a parliamentary panel. Legislators approved the request, which could last up to six months, with a 13-11 vote.
Under Israeli law, Katsav had to receive the approval of a Knesset committee before he could be removed. On Tuesday, prosecutors said they have enough evidence to charge Katsav with rape, harassment, abusing his power for sex, obstructing justice and illegally distributing gifts while president and cabinet minister. Katsav has said publicly that he will resign if indicted. In an emotional news conference Wednesday, he blamed the media for their "witch hunt," "McCarthyism" and "persecution." Also on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert added to the growing political pressure on Katsav to resign. "Under these circumstances, there is no doubt in my mind that the president cannot continue to fulfill his position and he must leave the president's residence," Olmert said at a security conference. Attorney-General Meni Mazuz said Tuesday that while he planned to indict Katsav, he first wanted to give the president a chance to plead his case before him. The first woman to accuse Katsav came forward last summer accusing him of forcing her to have sex in his office. Other women then came forward with similar accusations. If found guilty, Katsav could face more than 20 years in prison.
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