Israel’s top leaders may face criminal charges

ISRAELI prime minister Ehud Olmert and president Moshe Katsav are both facing possible criminal charges for separate crimes, officials reported yesterday.

Mr Olmert is facing a corruption inquiry after Israel’s government watchdog presented a draft of a report on a suspect property deal. The case could develop into a criminal investigation.

Meanwhile, a respected lawyer advising Mr Katsav over accusations of rape and sexual assault has quit — the latest turn in a seven-month scandal which has brought calls for his dismissal although he has so far not been charged.