Israeli president urged to step aside
JERUSALEM -- President Moshe Katsav of Israel faced the strongest pressure yet to step down yesterday, when Israel's attorney general urged him to take leave while an indictment on rape and other serious charges is taking shape.
Although Attorney General Meni Mazuz's recommendation cannot force Katsav from office, it adds an influential voice to the growing chorus of officials who have called for the president to resign.
Since the law governing the presidency does not give Mazuz or the Supreme Court the authority to rule on any aspect of Katsav's activities, the attorney general's brief to the court amounted to the strongest official language Mazuz could use.
A defiant Katsav appeared determined to hang on to his office. In a statement late yesterday, he rejected the attorney general's recommendation, saying it was "the obligation of the authorities to do everything to seek the truth and not allow a media lynching to disrupt the investigation of the truth."
In his legal opinion, Mazuz recommended Katsav consider stepping aside until the allegations are resolved. He noted the burden fell on the president , but added that "it would be incorrect and inappropriate for the President to continue serving" as an indictment takes shape.
Katsav's refusal to step aside has complicated the investigation because some of the witnesses work for him, Mazuz also wrote.
The Israeli presidency is largely ceremonial, but is seen as a symbol of unity elevated above politics -- an image that has added to popular pressure on Katsav to quit because he no longer seems to measure up.
Mazuz will make the decision about whether to indict Katsav .
Police recommended two weeks ago that Katsav be indicted on charges including rape and aggravated sexual assault, following a lengthy investigation into complaints by several women who worked for him during his tenure as president and, before that, as a Cabinet minister. 