Sharon may face charges over bribes allegation

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.

The burgeoning scandal could deflect much of his attention away from Middle East peace efforts, complicating already murky prospects for the “road map” peace plan. Talks have been stalled for months, and neither the Israelis nor the Palestinians have fulfilled the plan’s first steps.