Israel’s Supreme Court has ordered the state to justify its plea bargain that dropped rape charges against the former president.

Israeli President Moshe Katsav submitted his letter of resignation today, as part of a much-criticised plea bargain that dropped planned rape charges and the threat of prison.

Israeli president Moshe Katsav has agreed to resign in a controversial plea bargain that drops rape allegations and the threat of jail time in return for admitting lesser charges.