KATSAV PLEADS TO SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

Avoiding charges of rape, Katsav cops to lesser plea By Dan Baron (JTA)
His reputation in shambles from a sex scandal that broke a year ago and swelled in subsequent months, Israel's outgoing president put an end to the sordid chapter by agreeing to a plea bargain after months of insisting he was innocent.

Under the deal announced Thursday, President Moshe Katsav will plead guilty to sexually harassing and molesting female staff in exchange for prosecutors' agreement not to pursue rape charges against him. He will resign early, receive a suspended prison sentence and pay compensation to the complainants.

This marks the first time an Israeli head of state has been convicted of sexual misconduct.

SEE ALSO: Katzav to Resign; Charges Significantly Downgraded (INN)