Israeli president facing harassment claims

Israeli police are questioning President Moshe Katsav for a second day today about allegations of sexual harassment.

Israeli police are questioning President Moshe Katsav for a second day today about allegations of sexual harassment.

Mr Katsav was questioned yesterday for more than five hours.

The investigation focuses on accusations by two former employees who told police that Mr Katsav harassed them.

One of the women has also reportedly accused Katsav of receiving money for granting pardons - one of the few powers vested in the presidency, a largely ceremonial role in Israel.

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Mr Katsav, who denies wrongdoing, has said he will not resign. However, with the investigation intensifying, calls are growing for him to step aside, at least until the investigation is completed.

Mr Katsav's predecessor, Ezer Weizman, resigned from his post in 2000, just before the end of his term, after the attorney general ruled that he had acted improperly when he accepted more than $300,000 in gifts from a French millionaire.

Mr Weizman was never indicted, but the police investigation tainted the office of the president, which is supposed to be a symbol of Israel and be above scandal.

AP