On Wednesday Attorney-General Menachem Mazuz told him that he is considering charging him.

The governing Kadima party is due to hold an emergency meeting at which party leader Tzipi Livni is expected to press Mr Olmert to step down.

Mr Olmert has consistently denied any wrongdoing, but he resigned earlier this year over the allegations.

Mr Olmert has faced multiple corruption investigations.

Police have recommended he be indicted over two allegations - that he misused cash payments from a US businessman, and that he double-billed government agencies for trips abroad.

He formally resigned in September, but remains as caretaker prime minister. He was succeeded as leader of the ruling Kadima party by Ms Livni, the foreign minister.

Ms Livni announced in October that she had failed to form a coalition. General elections are now expected early in 2009.

"The prime minister must fight to prove his innocence, but he must also leave," Kadima MP Itzhak ben Israel told Israeli Army radio.

Another MP, Ophir Pines Paz also called for Mr Olmert to go.

"It is not acceptable that a person accused of a crime against the state should continue to hold the post of prime minister," he said.

A statement from Mr Olmert's office said he did not intend to leave his position at the head of the caretaker government.

"In these circumstances, there is no legal reason to announce a further resignation," it read.





BBC