Israeli President Moshe Katsav has been notified that a draft indictment being prepared by Attorney General Meni Mazuz may include a second rape charge, the Israeli Justice Ministry said.

The Israeli Justice Ministry was today considering whether to indict Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for allegedly accepting bribes, forcing him to step down, after charges were brought against a close associate.

For the first time in years, Israel will put a prominent Palestinian political leader on trial in a civilian court.