Israeli President - Steps Down for 16 Hours?

President Requests to Step Down for 16 Hours
Israel National News
September 12, '06 / 19 Elul 5766

(IsraelNN.com) President Moshe Katsav has requested to step down from office on Thursday, from 08:00 until midnight, seeking to absent himself from the swearing-in ceremony on incoming Supreme Court Chief Justice Dorit Beinish.

Mr. Katsav explained on Monday that he does not wish to detract from the ceremony and realizes his presence will divert attention from the chief justice due to the ongoing police investigation against him.

Mr. Katsav stated that he and First Lady Gila Katsav are confident that at the end of the police investigation, he will be found innocent of charges of sexual assault.

The president will be questioned by police later this week for a fifth time.