Israel's Justice Ministry says former President Moshe Katsav is to be charged with raping a woman who once worked for him.
The ministry says Attorney General Meni Mazuz has decided to indict Katsav, who wants to go to trial to clear his name.
Last year Katsav called off a plea bargain that would have required him to admit to lesser charges of sexual misconduct but avoid up to 20 years in jail.
Katsav stepped down in June 2007 after four female former employees accused him of crimes including rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment.
He resigned two weeks before his seven-year term expired. He says he is innocent of any wrongdoing and was a victim of a political witch hunt.
Katsav was replaced by elder statesman and Nobel peace laureate Shimon Peres.