Katsav steps aside, keeps immunity

Israel's embattled president gave up his powers temporarily yesterday, but dozens of lawmakers vowed to have him dismissed so he could face a raft of sexual assault charges, including rape.

President Moshe Katsav, who insists he is the victim of a conspiracy, stepped aside after a parliamentary committee voted 13-11 to grant his request to do so. He preserved his immunity by taking a leave rather than resigning.

Parliamentary speaker Dalia Itzik stepped in as acting president the first woman to hold the post.