Following Shin Bet's request, Knesset Finance Committee approves security budget for former president without objections. In the meantime, Katsav's family rejects relinquishing office funding
Former President of Israel Moshe Katsav, who resigned from his position after taking a plea bargain for sexual assault
charges, will receive a special budget of NIS 1.2 million (about $283,000) to fund his security expenses, the Knesset's Finance Committee decided on Thursday.
No Benefits
Katsav may lose all benefits but pension / Zvi Lavi
Knesset Finance Committee decides to revoke benefits from ex PMs and presidents who committed offenses that carry moral turpitude
The budget was proposed by Budget Director Kobi Haber in accordance with the government's decision and was approved without objections, since it is not part of Katsav's retirement benefits, but came at the instructions of the Shin Bet.
In the meantime, Katsav's family rejected committee head MK Stas Misezhnikov's proposal that the former president give up of his own accord the funding for his office, in the amount of NIS 750,000 by the end of 2007.
Misezhnikov postponed the hearing on this matter pending the Finance Committee's decision to revoke benefits of former presidents or prime ministers convicted of crimes that carry moral turpitude.
Misezhnikov suggested to Katsav's brother Lior that the eighth president relinquish his office, since this would be the most worthy move following the storm around his affair and would also give the former president a dignified way out.
Katsav's brother responded that this offer was unacceptable. In the meantime, Katsav plans to open an office in Tel Aviv, where he will be assisted by two aides.
Following Katsav's rejection of the offer, Misezhnikov postponed the committee's meeting on the matter and the vote will most likely take place next week.
There is no sure majority in the committee, and as long as Katsav's trial has not opened and the verdict is nowhere in sight, the former president will be eligible to get his office.
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