Israel's President Moshe Katsav is under increasing pressure as lawmakers and politicians on Wednesday demanded him resign after Attorney General Menachem Mazuz's decision to charge him with sexual crimes, including rape.

Katsav is expected to convene a press conference at his official residence in Jerusalem Wednesday to announce his next move, local media reported.

Members of Knesset (parliament) (MKs) from the left wing Meretz announced Wednesday that they will try to remove Katsav from office. The Hadash and Ra'am-Ta'al factions announced that they will support Meretz's move.

A majority of Labor MKs also said they will support removing the president from office if he fails to suspend himself.

Israeli Education Minister Yuli Tamir said Katsav must resign immediately so as "not to embarrass the students and the people in the education system" and to respect the presidential institution.

MK Ran Cohen of Meretz said that the president must resign immediately, as "he has humiliated the institution of the presidency and the public."

In addition, Israel's largest religious party, the National Religious Party-National Union made an official call for the president to fulfill his obligation and resign immediately from his position.

Mazuz decided Tuesday afternoon to indict Katsav for alleged rape and other incidents of sexual assault. A final decision on the indictment will be made only after a hearing, where Katsav will be able to present his case.

Source: Xinhua