The Knesset Finance Committee accepted MK Haim Oron's proposal to discuss the possibility of suspending former President Moshe Katsav's benefits for the duration of the legal proceedings against him – and revoke them permanently in the event he is convicted of offenses bearing moral turpitude.
Katsav faces varying charges of sexual misconduct against female employees who answered to him.
- For full coverage of the Katsav case, click here
The first Israeli president to face criminal charges, Katsav reneged the plea bargain he signed with the State's Prosecutor's Office in a shocking turn of events in April. He faces trial on grievous charges and could face a prison sentence.
Former presidents are entitled to benefits that allow them to maintain an office and staff. It also pays for car expenses and a driver to chauffeur the former president.
Last year Katsav requested an amount that exceeded $237,000.
The committee is the body tasked with determining the pay and retirement conditions for the president, as well as for most other senior State officials.
MK Oron (Meretz) penned his proposal after learning that Katsav had requested an office be rented for him in the Azrieli Center in central Tel Aviv and a luxury executive car – specifically an Audi A6.
It should be noted that the committee only plans to discuss the 'extra' benefits given to Katsav, not his monthly pension, to which he is entitled by law.
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