Katsav temporarily cedes presidential powers

Moshe Katsav temporarily gave up presidential powers Thursday after Israel's parliament granted him a leave of absence to fight rape and sexual assault allegations.

Katsav, who called the allegations a "terrible and hateful lie," stepped aside after a parliamentary committee voted 13-11 to grant his request to do so.

Taking a leave rather than resigning preserves his presidential immunity, a move that has angered some Israeli lawmakers. His term is due to expire in July.

Zehava Galon, who is leading parliamentary efforts to oust the ceremonial leader, was outraged that parliament's House Committee didn't put dismissing Katsav on its agenda.

"The decision taken today is a prize for a man accused of rape," Galon said. "Instead of finding himself behind bars, this man charged with rape gets a prize of continuing to serve as president."

Knesset speaker Dalia Itzik will serve as Israel's acting president, the first woman to hold the post.

Earlier this week, Israel's attorney general served notice he would press charges of rape, sexual assault and abuse of power against Katsav, 61.

In an emotional, arm-waving speech broadcast on Israeli national television Wednesday, Katsav accused police and Israeli media of carrying out a "witch hunt" against him.

He said he would "fight with his last breath"to clear his name, but would not resign before his hearing.

However, public opinion polls suggest a majority of Israelis want him to leave office.

A Dahaf Research Institute poll of 516 people showed 71 per cent of people want Katsav to resign immediately. The margin of error was 4.4 percentage points.

A second poll conducted for Maariv newspaper suggested 67 per cent of those 400 people surveyed believed Katsav should step down.