Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been indicted in three corruption cases after he withdrew his request for immunity hours before the Knesset had been set to pick up the issue.
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The Justice Ministry announced on Tuesday that the indictment had been filed at the Jerusalem District Court.
Netanyahu could soon face trial for charges of fraud, breach of trust and bribery in three separate cases. It's unclear, however, whether the trial will begin before Israelis head to the polls on March 2.
Netanyahu had announced on Facebook earlier on Tuesday that he had informed Parliamentary Speaker Yuli Edelstein of his decision.
The Israeli PM, who is currently in Washington as US President Donald Trump is set to unveil his Middle East peace plan, said that he decided not to let this "dirty game" continue.
"At this fatal hour for the people of Israel, while I am in the United States on a historic mission to determine the permanent borders of Israel and ensure our safety for future generations, the Knesset is to begin another show in the immunity circus," he wrote.
On Tuesday, the parliament voted in favour of setting up a House Committee, which would have decided on whether the 70-year-old should be given immunity, even though he had withdrawn the request.
The committee will begin talks on a parliamentary immunity request by ex-minister Haim Katz, a member of Netanyahu's Likud party.
Edelstein, also a Likud member, left when the discussion began. He had earlier called the formation of the committee shortly before elections a "grave mistake" and said that he would not cooperate.
Netanyahu's political rival Benny Gantz, who also went to Washington to meet Trump and discuss the plan, said that the PM was going to trial and Israel must move forward.
"No man can manage a country as well as manage three serious criminal cases," wrote Gantz, who had returned to Israel for the proceedings.
It is now the first time in Israel's history that an incumbent prime minister is facing indictment.
Netanyahu is not required to resign as PM when indicted, though he did step down from all his ministerial posts earlier this month.
The long-time leader is facing corruption charges for allegedly offering political favours in return for positive press coverage and helping wealthy business contacts in return for gifts. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Australian Associated Press
