SOCIAL IMPRESSIONS

Israeli president, Moshe Katsav, will face rape charges against two females during his years of public service. It is alleged that Katsav sexually violated an employee when he served as tourism minister and assaulted another staff member during his presidency. Concerned about possible suspicions of his indecent behavior, Katsav tapped into his staff’s phone calls to gauge if information was being relayed to the authorities and threatened witnesses.

Instead of enjoying the immunity that is afforded to him due to his position, he has opted to take a “leave of absence” in order to defend himself against the charges of sexual assault, rape and abuse of power. Either way, his immunity would have been short-lived. The privilege is only in effect until the end of his seven-year presidential tenure, which will be at the end of this year. Although Katsav will still hold the role of president, he will not perform any of his public duties. The hearing will not be scheduled for another few months. If he is found guilty, he will face up to 16 years in prison.

Prior to Katsav’s presidential term, his predecessor, Ezer Weizman, was forced out of office due to a corruption scandal. Furthermore, the presidential role is regarded as a ceremonial task. Will these aspects come into play in the next Israeli election?