Israel president in new grilling

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/5319380.stm

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Israeli police are questioning President Moshe Katsav for a third time over allegations that he sexually harassed two former female employees.

Two investigators went to his official residence in Jerusalem for a session that could last much of the day.

Haaretz newspaper says a third woman has now accused him of making unwanted sexual advances and trying to touch her while he was a government minister.

Mr Katsav denies the allegations and has dismissed calls for him to resign.

The allegations are the latest to be levelled at senior Israeli politicians.

Haim Ramon, who resigned as justice minister last month, has been charged with sexual harassment.

A leading member of the Kadima party of the prime minister, Ehud Olmert - Tzahi Hanegbi - is under investigation for financial wrongdoing.

If charged, President Katsav will be immune from prosecution. However, he can be impeached by parliament if it feels he acted inappropriately.

Mr Katsav is a veteran member of the right-wing Likud party, serving as transport minister in the late 1980s and in 1996 as minister of tourism and deputy prime minister.

He has held the office of president, a largely ceremonial role, since 2000.