A spokesman for Israel's parliament (Knesset) said President Moshe Katsav informed the parliament's House Committee of his decision. The move falls short of meeting growing calls for his resignation.
Mr. Katsav, who denies wrongdoing, is to hold a news conference Wednesday - at 1730 UTC.
On Tuesday, the country's attorney general said he has enough evidence to indict the president on charges including the rape of a former employee and obstruction of justice.
A temporary leave would keep the president's legal immunity intact. News reports say Mr. Katsav's decision is unlikely to satisfy lawmakers threatening to impeach the president.
In a statement Wednesday, Foreign and Acting Justice Minister Tzipi Livni said the president's resignation is appropriate.
She said Mr. Katsav should prepare his defense from outside the president's residence.
A final decision to indict Mr. Katsav will be made after a hearing where the president will present his case.
If indicted, Mr. Katsav would be the first Israeli president to face criminal charges.
If he resigns or if parliament removes him from his largely ceremonial post, he could stand trial.
Police looking into allegations against the president last year also said they had evidence of his involvement in illegal wiretapping and fraud. - VOA News
Posted January 24th, 2007 by Dinka
