Israeli president Moshe Katsav today asked parliament to temporarily remove him from office after Israel’s attorney general recommended that he be indicted on rape and other charges, according to parliamentary spokesman Giora Pordes.

Israel’s politically powerful justice minister today led the growing chorus of calls for President Moshe Katsav to resign over impending charges of rape and abuse of power.

Israeli President Moshe Katsav today came under intense pressure to step down after the attorney general told him he faced charges of rape and abuse of power, the most serious accusations against a top official in Israel’s history.

Israeli President Moshe Katsav underwent a second day of police questioning today about sexual harassment allegations, while a politician collected signatures to begin the impeachment process.