JERUSALEM, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Israeli President Moshe Katsav Wednesday informed the media of his effort to declare himself temporarily incapacitated as he faces charges including rape.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert called for his resignation after Israeli Attorney General Menachem Mazuz said he planned to seek charges against Katsav for offenses against four women including sexual harassment, fraud and rape.
At an hour-long news conference at his Jerusalem office, Katsav said he is innocent of all charges.
The Jerusalem Post said in the wake of Mazuz's announcement he would be seeking an indictment of the nation's president, Katsav informed Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik of his political decision to seek a declaration of incapacitation.
But with many parliament members pushing for resignation, the Knesset may reject the president's motion.
A committee is to vote on the matter Thursday and may hear arguments regarding a proposed forced resignation.
If the motion is approved, Katsav's temporary incapacitation would last three months and likely end around the time a final decision is made regarding his indictment, the newspaper said.
