President Moshe Katsav refused to comment on questions about his legal troubles and whether he intends to resign if indicted, during a visit Wednesday to the Bedouin community of Bir al-Maksur and the Druze village of Julis on the occasion of Id el-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).

Katsav admitted that his seventh year in office has been very difficult, "but despite the situation, we will not hang our head in shame and will continue to battle to the end."

The president said it must be remembered that the democratic process treats the president the same as any other citizen.

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Katsav received a warm welcome in both communities. Local Council head Tuba Zangariya Hassin Al-Hiyab referred directly to the accusations of sexual assault against Katsav during the visit to Bir al-Maksur.

He addressed Katsav's wife, Gila, who accompanied him on the visit, speaking of the need to support the president at this difficult time out of a belief in his innocence.

In Julis, Katsav refuted harsh criticism voiced by Nabih Nasser Al-Din, chairman of the Druze Mayors' Forum, who said, "We feel as if we are being pushed aside" with regard to the financial crisis facing the country's Druze local authorities.