Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman will be indicted for fraud and breach of trust, the Justice Ministry said on Thursday, less severe charges than were originally considered.
The announcement comes ahead of a January 22 election which the right-wing party of Lieberman and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is predicted to win.
Lieberman has denied all wrongdoing but had said he would resign if indicted. He is expected to speak later on Thursday.
Lieberman's lawyers, citing legal precedents, said in a statement they did not believe the courts would force him to resign. Opposition parties called for him to step down.
Investigations into Lieberman, 54, were first opened in 2001 and spanned nine countries. The more serious allegations included money-laundering and bribery, but the Attorney-General said there was no chance of a conviction on those.
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