Israel's President Moshe Katzav defiantly rejects calls for his resignation as he faces a possible indictment on charges of rape and sexual harassment. Katsav asked for a leave of absence to fight the allegations.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert joined the chorus of political leaders calling on Katzav to step down.
At a news conference Wednesday, a visibly emotional Moshe Katzav insisted he is innocent of all charges. "Even if I have to fight a world war to prove my innocence, I will struggle to clear my name," Katzay said.
He spoke just 24 hours after Israel's attorney general announced there is sufficient evidence to indict Katsav for rape, sexual harassment and other charges including obstruction of justice. The president's voice broke as he thanked his wife of 37 years for standing by him.
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