Israeli president steps aside temporarily

ISRAEL’S embattled president gave up his powers temporarily yesterday, but dozens of lawmakers vowed to have him dismissed so he could face a raft of sexual assault charges, including rape.

President Moshe Katsav, who insists he is the victim of a conspiracy, stepped aside after a parliamentary committee voted 13-11 to grant his request to do so.

He preserved his immunity by taking a leave rather than resigning.