Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to face corruption charges.
The country’s attorney general intends to indict Mr Netanyahu on possible charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in connection with three cases.
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced his decision after more than two years of intense investigations and deliberations.
Police had recommended indicting Mr Netanyahu for bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three different cases that ranged from accepting expensive gifts from wealthy allies to allegedly trading influence for more favourable press coverage.
"The attorney general has reached his decision after thoroughly examining the evidence," his statement said.
The final decision on indictment will only take place after a hearing, where Mr Netanyahu is given the opportunity to defend himself.
That process is expected to take many months and be completed long after the April 9 elections.
But the recommendations immediately cast a cloud over the campaign and Mr Netanyahu's future.
An indictment would mark the first time in Israeli history that a sitting prime minister has been charged with a crime.
Former prime minister Ehud Olmert served time in prison for corruption, but had already resigned by the time he was charged.
Mr Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing and calls the various allegations a media-orchestrated witch hunt aimed at removing him from office.
He has vowed to carry on and is deadlocked in the polls, 40 days before Israelis go to vote.
Additional reporting by Press Association
