Israeli former president Moshe Katsav has been convicted of raping a former employee.

Today's conviction means Katsav will face a minimum of four years in prison.

The verdict marks the climax of a four-and-a-half-year saga that has riveted the nation as it watched its former top citizen face the most serious charges ever levelled at an Israeli public official.

Katsav, 65, is also facing charges of lesser sex crimes involving two other former employees. A verdict on those charges is expected later today.

Israel's presidency is a largely ceremonial position, but the allegations gripped the country by portraying Katsav as a predatory boss who forced himself on female employees.

Katsav resigned in 2007 and was replaced by Shimon Peres.

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