In an unprecedented move against the country's ceremonial head of state, Israel's Attorney General has decided to indict President Moshe Katsav on charges of rape and sexual harassment.
Attorney General Menachem Mazuz's office said in a statement that it had collected enough evidence to support an indictment against Katsav on charges of rape, harassment, sexual relations involving the abuse of power, obstruction of justice and illegally accepting gifts.
Katsav will face charges for alleged crimes against four women, including the alleged rape of a former employee at the tourism ministry.
'The Attorney General, with the agreement of the state attorney, reached the conclusion that there is sufficient prima facie evidence to indict the President,' the justice ministry said in a separate press release.
A final draft of the indictment will be presented after a hearing and Katsav will be able to present his case. The President enjoys immunity while serving his term, but has said that he would suspend himself from office if indicted.
The Knesset (Israel's Parliament) can impeach him with a three-quarters majority. Opposition Meretz party on Wednesday said it would seek parliamentary backing to initiate impeachment proceedings against Katsav.
Katsav, whose term ends in July, has denied all the charges, stemming from complaints made by four women who worked for him during his tenure as President and, before that, as a Cabinet minister. Katsav has said that he is the victim of a conspiracy by 'political enemies.'
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