Katsav moves out of Beit Hanassi

Officials say it's unlikely Katsav will return while suspension in effect.

By JPOST.COM STAFF, DAN EIZENBERG
katsav 298.88 (photo credit: AP [file])
katsav 298.88
(photo credit: AP [file])
President Moshe Katsav left Beit Hanassi in Jerusalem on Tuesday night and officials at the presidential residence indicated that he did not intend to return so long as his suspension remained in effect. Katsav had arrived at the presidential residence - where he has lived for the last six and a half years - from his private home in Kiryat Malachi on Monday in order to organize his personal possessions and to meet with the employees of Beit Hanassi. Katsav's departure follows comments made by Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz to Knesset legal adviser Nurit Elstein on Tuesday that "it is not in keeping with the aim of the law which is to create a temporary cessation in the president's term of office because of the criminal investigation against him."
  • Knesset c'tee instigates Katsav removal
  • I trust Moshe Katsav (op-ed) Mazuz added that this was particularly true in the case of Katsav, because one of the four women regarding whom he is suspected of sexual misconduct still works there, and others employed in the residence were questioned by police and might testify against the president because he is suspected of harassing a witness who is still working at the residence. Mazuz added that he believed Katsav was still entitled to his salary - the highest paid to any civil servant in the country - and official car.