Updated

Israel's attorney general has dropped a criminal investigation into a former military chief — a decision that could shake up Israeli politics.

Wednesday's decision cleared the way for Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi to enter politics.

Ashkenazi had been caught up in a scandal surrounding the appointment of his successor in 2010.

Several Israeli media outlets have reported that Ashkenazi may be considering a move into politics, but he has not publicly voiced any political aspirations.

Ashkenazi took command of Israel's embattled armed forces in the wake of an inconclusive month-long war against Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in 2006.

He stepped down in 2011 after a tenure marked by high public approval ratings but tensions with former Defense Minister Ehud Barak.