Yesterday Israel demonstrated why it stands out in the Middle East not just as a Jewish state surrounded by mostly hostile Muslim ones, but as an unqualified democracy amidst dictatorships in varying degrees of benignity. (Granted, the dramatic revolutions now unfolding throughout this region might usher in bona fide democratic governments in a few countries, but the jury is still out on all of them, including Egypt.)
What happened was sad because it involved the sentencing of a former president, Moshe Katsav, to seven years in prison on convictions for rape and a number of other sexual offences. Many had expected him to get off with a relatively light sentence, or even probation.
This is an extraordinary day in the state of Israel. This is a day of sadness and shame, but it is also a day of deep appreciation and pride for the Israeli justice system.
(Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Haaretz, March 22, 2011)
The sordid details of Katsav’s misconduct (or sexual crime spree) are irrelevant. Besides, I am reliably informed that such details only compound the assault on rape victims.
Instead, the point of this commentary is to hail the instructive way his case demonstrates in the heart of the dictatorial and chauvinistic Middle East that no man is above the law. Netanyahu is right; Israel should be proud.
Although he has appealed, Katsav is scheduled to begin serving his sentence in 44 days, on May 8.