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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Few Israelis Want Benefits for Katzav
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Few adults in Israel believe a former president should be entitled to full rights and resources at this stage, according to a poll by Maagar Mochot released by Israel Radio. 72 per cent of respondents oppose allowing Moshe Katzav to enjoy these benefits.
The Israeli Parliament currently elects the president to a seven-year term. In August 2000, Katzav took over from interim head of state Avraham Burg. In Israel, the president is considered as a largely ceremonial dignitary.
In August 2006, Katzav was accused by two female former employees of sexual harassment and corruption. The two allege that Katzav has both acted improperly towards women, and received money to grant pardons.
In January 2007, Israeli attorney general Meni Mazuz announced he could charge Katzav with rape, sexual harassment, breach of trust, obstruction of justice, harassment of a witness and fraud. Katzav, who could not be prosecuted while in office, was granted a three-month leave of absence by the Knesset. Parliamentary speaker Dalia Itzik became Israel’s acting president.
In June 2007, Katzav agreed to resign from the presidency as part of a plea bargain agreement. In the deal, Katzav admitted to sexual harassment and obstruction of justice, but the rape charges against him were dropped.
Earlier this month, the Knesset Financial Committee discussed whether Katsav’s benefits—which include an office, a staff, a car and a driver—should be suspended while his trial takes place. The proposal was first outlined by Vitality-Together (Meretz-Yachad) lawmaker Haim Oron.
Polling Data
Do you support or oppose giving full rights and resources to former Israeli president Moshe Katzav, as granted to all retired presidents?
|
Support |
11% |
|
Oppose |
72% |
|
Other replies |
17% |
Source: Maagar Mochot / Israel Radio
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 504 Israeli adults, conducted on Jul. 9, 2008. Margin of error is 4.5 per cent.