In July 2006, allegations surfaced that Katsav had sexually harassed and raped women. The affair continues to unfold. [1]
On August 22, Katzav's house was raided by police who seized computers and documents. There were calls for him to resign or suspend himself from the presidency. This came only days after Justice Minister Haim Ramon's resignation after police investigation, also over alleged sexual harassment, had led to Ramon's indictment. [2] Katsav was questioned on August 23 ("under warning") by police in connection with accusations of sexual harassment and corruption, including an accusation that he coerced a former female employee into having sex with him.[3] On August 25, the IBA estimated that the police investigation could last months, so that by the time Attorney-General Menachem Mazuz is prepared to decide whether to indict, Katzav's term as president might be over. [4]
On September 7, after concluding the fourth investigation into the matter, and having received complaints from at least four different women (according to IBA's correspondent for police affairs), the Israeli Police "carefully" determined that at this time they had the evidentiary basis for an indictment. On that day, the Judges' Election Committee unanimously approved the appointment of Dorit Beinisch, a woman, as president of the Supreme Court of Israel. Katzav refrained from attending, "to prevent dispute." [5]
On September 13, the Knesset's House Committee approved Katzav's request for a day's leave of absence so that he could refrain from attending and presiding over Beinisch's formal swearing in ceremony, normally held in the presidential compound, now to be held in the Knesset. The Committee's chairwoman, Ruhama Avraham, did, however, advise Katzav to opt for a more lengthy leave. [6]
All that day, Katzav was interviewed by police for the fifth time, from 10:00 am till at least 7:00 pm. Police confirmed that seven women had by now testified against Katzav, and that the allegations now also included "breach of trust, fraud, and involvement in illegal wiretapping." [7]
Speaking on the case for the first time, on September 18, Israel's Attorney General, Menachem Mazuz, stated in an interview that the likelihood of Katzav's claim that he had been made the victim of a plot was "fairly slim," given the "long line of women who complained against him." [8][9] By September 21, the number of women accusing Katsav of sexual assault had risen to eight. [10]
On October 15, 2006, police recommended pursuing rape and sexual harassment charges against Katsav. Complaints by five of the women will not be pursued because the statute of limitations has run out.[11] On October 16, Haaretz reported that Mazuz is expected to adopt most of the police's recommendations and indict the president. [12]
On October 29, 2006, Katsav was advised by Israel's attorney general, Menachem Mazuz, to step down from his presidential duties and suspend himself as long as the possibility of his indictment remains under consideration. Katsav, who continues to deny the allegations, has announced, via his lawyers, that if indicted he will resign.[13]
On January 23, 2007 Katsav was charged with rape.
