MK Yitzchak Mordechai (Center) was found guilty today of indecent acts against two women under aggravated circumstances by the Jerusalem Magistrates Court. He was acquitted of a third charge because of contradictions in the complainant\'s testimony. Mordechai served in the past as Defense Minister, Transportation Minister, and O.C. of the Northern Command, and was a candidate up until the final days in the 1999 Prime Ministerial election. He said today that he would appeal the ruling and would \"fight with all my might to prove my innocence.\" Mordechai has asked the Knesset Committee to suspend him from the Knesset, with the hope that he will be acquitted upon appeal and will be able to regain his seat.
Mordechai\'s departure from the Knesset will pave the way for Yechiel Lasry to enter in his stead. The Center Party, which originally numbered six MKs - three from both political camps - now numbers five, all of whom are of a right-wing bent. Of the party\'s three left-wing politicians, Dalia Rabin-Pelosoff has split off to become a one-person faction, and Amnon Lipkin-Shachak and Uri Savir resigned their seats following the February election. MK Dan Meridor will replace Mordechai as leader of the Center party.
Mordechai\'s departure from the Knesset will pave the way for Yechiel Lasry to enter in his stead. The Center Party, which originally numbered six MKs - three from both political camps - now numbers five, all of whom are of a right-wing bent. Of the party\'s three left-wing politicians, Dalia Rabin-Pelosoff has split off to become a one-person faction, and Amnon Lipkin-Shachak and Uri Savir resigned their seats following the February election. MK Dan Meridor will replace Mordechai as leader of the Center party.