Israel’s top leaders may face criminal charges

ISRAELI prime minister Ehud Olmert and president Moshe Katsav are both facing possible criminal charges for separate crimes, officials reported yesterday.

Mr Olmert is facing a corruption inquiry after Israel’s government watchdog presented a draft of a report on a suspect property deal. The case could develop into a criminal investigation.

Meanwhile, a respected lawyer advising Mr Katsav over accusations of rape and sexual assault has quit — the latest turn in a seven-month scandal which has brought calls for his dismissal although he has so far not been charged.

In Mr Olmert’s case, the government watchdog has probed complaints about the purchase of a house in a Jerusalem neighbourhood. Jerusalem officials have until the end of the month to respond to the report.

The focus of the investigation is the finding that Mr Olmert paid €250,000 less than market value for the property, leading to suspicions of fraud and bribery.

If Mr Olmert were indicted, he would have to resign, but such a development would be many steps down the road. Mr Olmert has denied any wrongdoing.

He has been dogged by allegations of corruption throughout his career but has never been convicted.

Meanwhile, a statement from Mr Katsav’s office said he and lawyer, David Libai, a former justice minister, agreed Mr Libai would no longer represent the president. No reason was given for the decision, made a week ago, before Mr Libai studied the police file on the case. Mr Katsav’s other lawyer, Amir Tzion, will continue.

The statement added: “President Katsav states that the end of his representation by attorney Libai will not weaken his struggle and his determination to expose the truth and prove his innocence.”

Mr Libai’s exit removes the most respected member of Mr Katsav’s defence team. Mr Libai, 72, is respected as a moral force in his profession. After his term as justice minister, he served on many Labour Party committees to study internal and policy issues.

Mr Katsav has been at the centre of allegations that he preyed on women working for him, threatening to fire them if they didn’t grant him sexual favours. He faces charges of rape, sexual assault and abuse of power.