Israel's Katsav faces rape charge
Katsav's lawyers have said he will resign if charged
Israel's ministry of justice says it plans to charge the country's largely ceremonial head of state, Iranian born Moshe Katsav, with rape and abuse of power.
Formal charges against him can made only after a hearing in which he will be able to present his case.
Mr Katsav denies allegations of rape and sexual misconduct made by several female employees in recent months.
The recommendation to indict him comes amid a flurry of corruption allegations against top-level Israeli politicians.
The has been no comment from Mr Katsav or his office.
The president enjoys immunity in Israel, but he can be prosecuted after he leaves office.
Mr Katsav's seven-year term ends later in 2007, but his lawyers have previously indicated he might resign if he was indicted.
Attorney-General Menachem Mazuz's office issued a statement saying that it had collected enough evidence to support an indictment against Mr Katsav on charges of rape, harassment, abuse of power and obstruction of justice, among other crimes.
Iranian-born Mr Katsav, 60, was a journalist before standing for parliament as a candidate for the right-ring Likud party in 1977.
He acted as power broker within the party and rose to ministerial positions.
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