Moshe Katsav
צילום: חגי אהרון
High Court likely to amend Katsav's plea bargain
Court hears closing arguments in former president's sexual harassment case, says it will render decision at later date. State Prosecutor's Office believes court will issue amendment directive
The High Court of Jusitce heard the closing arguments in former President Moshe Katsav's sexual harassment case on Tuesday and has decided to render its ruling at a later date.
The State Prosecutor's Office was left to wonder whether or not Supreme Court President Dorit Beinish will accept the plea bargain entered, change it, or negate it all together.
Many in the prosecutor's office believe that should the High Court annul the plea, Attorney General Menachem Mazuz may have no choice but to resign.
According to the State Prosecutor's Office, Beinish will most likely amend the plea and add to it various elements she found lacking in the original deal: "Beinish has said more than once that the indictment fell short of the allegations made against Katsav… she is unlikely to intervene directly, but the court will probably issue directives for the attorney general to follow."
Attorney Zion Amir, who represents Katsav in the legal proceedings, said he believed the court would change the plea: "I don't know if the court will come to a unanimous decision, but I won't be surprised if the petitions (filed against the plea) will be rejected…. We will abide by the court's ruling no matter what it says."
