The Knesset's Finance Committee unanimously approved an NIS 1.2 million annual budget for the personal security of former President Moshe Katzav.

The budget was requested by the SHABAK, or General Security Service.

The committee is still undecided regarding a request for a multimillion shekel budget for a bureau and two assistants for Katzav. The budget is mandated by law but there is strong opposition to it in the committee.

The Supreme Court is deliberating petitions filed against a plea bargain in sex and breach of trust charges against the former president.