"We are not a tribunal," he said after a meeting with the Israeli president, Moshe Katsav.

Most Israeli presidents were involved in national politics or Zionist activities before taking office.

Moshe Katsav, the former Israeli president, is escorted from court during his rape trial.

According to protocol, an oxygen tank and other medical equipment is mandatory whenever an Israeli president or prime minister flies abroad.

Peres' official visit was the first to Romania by an Israeli president.

It was the first criminal investigation of an Israeli president, whose tasks are largely ceremonial but who is the official head of state.

An Israeli president cannot stand trial while in office.

Mr. Barak, a tight smile darting across his face, quickly corrected the Israeli president.

But over the years the powers of the Israeli president were slightly expanded.

An Arab Supreme Court judge presided in the case against the Israeli president.