The indictment will include charges of rape, indecent acts, obstruction of justice and threatening a witness, he said. They are the most serious charges ever levelled against an Israeli leader.

A final decision on the indictment will be made only after a hearing at which Katsav wil be able to present his case.

On October 15 last year, police said they had uncovered enough evidence to charge Katsav with sexual harassment and wire-tapping, following months of investigations and five sessions to question him at his official Jerusalem residence.

Katsav, Israel's first president from a right-wing party, has vigorously denied the charges against him, vowed to clear his name and has steadfastly refused to resign unless formal charges are brought against him.

"I am the victim of a despicable libel campaign," he said in a statement following Mazuz's brief.

"I intend to fight to the end to prove my innocence," he said. "The president is hurting, but is not afraid. The president is completely certain of his justice and innocence."