Israeli police said today Prime Minister Ehud Olmert should face criminal charges arising from a corruption scandal.
"Police today recommended to indict Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in two separate cases," said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.
With Mr Olmert committed to resigning after his Kadima party holds a leadership vote on September 17, the recommendation will have no immediate impact on his tenure and does not guarantee an indictment will be filed by Israel's attorney-general.
He has denied any wrongdoing in a series of investigations.
Police believe they have evidence showing that Mr Olmert illegally received money from a US businessman, made duplicate claims for travel expenses and used a former cabinet post to promote a friend's business interests.
Under Israeli law, police submit their recommendation to the prosecution which then files its own legal opinion to Attorney-General Menachem Mazuz, who is the only one authorised to indict a prime minister.
A prosecution source said it would take at least several weeks for Mazuz to decide.
Reuters