Israel's highest court upheld Feb. 26 a much-criticized plea bargain that allowed former President Moshe Katsav to escape rape charges and a possible prison term.

A panel of five Supreme Court judges ruled 3-2 to accept the deal, concluding it did not fall outside the bounds of reasonability, Israeli media reported. One critic rued what she called "a sad day."

Katsav, who insists he was the victim of a witch hunt, left office in disgrace in June after four former female employees accused him of a series of sex crimes, including rape.