Benizri allegedly committed the crimes in the context of his relationship with businessman Moshe Sela from 1996-2001. During that time, Benizri served as deputy health minister, health minister, and minister of labor and welfare.

Mazuz will ask the Knesset House Committee to rescind Benizri's parliamentary immunity.

Among other things, Benizri is accused of taking bribes from Sela while he was minister of labor and welfare. Sela, a contractor and the owner of a manpower agency, has since turned state's witness.

Benizri is suspected of helping Sela and a number of other contractors win tenders for bringing foreign workers to Israel, in exchange for which Benizri received money and favors.

Some of the money is believed to have been transferred to Benizri, while the remainder was transferred to Rabbi Reuven Elbaz, who heads the Or Haim yeshiva and is considered to be Benizri's spiritual and political patron.

Mazuz also decided to indict Rabbi Elbaz, on charges he arranged and accepted bribes. Elbaz is considered one of the more influential rabbis in Shas.

Mazuz decided to press charges following deliberations with State Prosecutor Eran Shendar and Jerusalem District Prosecutor Eli Aberbenal. The decision was based on both prosecutor's recommendations, and forwarded on to the attorneys for Benizri and Elbaz.

The charges will be filed subject to a hearing, although a Justice Ministry official said that the hearing will be limited due to the fact that Benizri is only partially cooperating with the investigation.

"I believe in my innocence," said Benizri in response, according to Channel 1. "At the opportunity given me at the hearing, I will succeed in convincing the attorney general not to file charges."