Former Israeli president may avoid jail

JERUSALEM, July 1 (UPI) -- Women's groups in Israel plan to protest a plea bargain in the sex abuse case against former President Moshe Katsav, it was reported Sunday.

Israel's High Court postponed an indictment hearing for Katsav until at least Monday to give the groups time to file their petitions, Ynetnews.com reported.

Prosecutors last week dropped rape charges against Katsav in return for his pleading guilty to lesser sexual offenses committed against female employees during his time as tourism minister, Ynetnews.com reported. Under the deal, Katsav would avoid jail by paying compensation to the complainants.

High Court Justice Jubran said Sunday it was inappropriate for prosecutors to finalize a plea agreement before the High Court ruled on petitions by women's groups who wanted Katsav to stand trial.

Katsav resigned his office last week. Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik is to serve as acting president until President-elect Shimon Peres is sworn in later this month.