JERUSALEM, Jan 23: Israeli President Moshe Katsav's political future was on the line on Tuesday after the attorney general decided to indict him for rape, the most serious charge ever levelled against an Israeli leader.

Attorney General Menachem Mazuz informed the 61-year-old president that he intended to charge him with rape and sexual harassment of four women as well as breach of trust and accepting bribes.

Katsav insists on his innocence and intends to fight to prove it, his lawyer said in response.

“After examining all the available evidence, the attorney general has reached the conclusion that there is sufficient alleged evidence to file an indictment against the president,” the justice ministry said.

The Iranian-born Katsav, a right-winger who was elected to the largely ceremonial post in 2000, has vigorously denied the allegations and has steadfastly refused to resign despite mounting calls for him to go.

A final decision on the indictment will be made only after a hearing, where Katsav will be allowed to present his case.

It remained unclear whether he intended to step down beforehand, but he will hold a press conference on Wednesday.

Katsav's lawyer said the president will continue his fight to prove his innocence.

“The president is convinced that he is a victim of false allegations and attempts to remove him from his office and he will fight to prove his innocence,” David Libai told a media conference in Tel Aviv.

MP Yossi Beilin of the left-wing Meretz party called on the president “not to use his right to continue in his post until the end of his mandate and to immediately resign in order to save the presidential establishment.” Former Labour minister Ophir Pines-Paz also urged him “to step down as early as this evening and continue the procedures from his private home.” Channel One television reported that the president did not intend to resign but David Mena, one of his close associates, said: “The president will now have to decide whether he will step down before or after his hearing.”—AFP