BICOM

Israeli Labour party leader Isaac Herzog was questioned under caution by the police yesterday, as part of an ongoing investigation into campaign finance.

The police are investigation whether Mr Herzog secretly received an unlawful donation of 40,000 NIS (£7,500) towards his 2013 Labour party leadership campaign.

Mr Herzog was reportedly questioned for six hours. Several Israeli newspapers including Israel Hayom reported that he brought along sandwiches for lunch in expectation of a long session.

Speaking after the questioning. Mr Herzog said “It’s no secret that over the past two weeks I declared again and again that I will come at any time and to any place and give my version of events. I did it this morning, and if need be I will go and help as much as it takes so this affair will be quickly behind us. I presented myself this morning without delay, I trust the law enforcement agencies and am grateful for their fair and respectful conduct.”

“Believe me, I’m calm, and if there’s someone in the party who isn’t calm – they better calm down”

A number of Labour party MKs publicly backed Mr Herzog, including Nahman Shai, Erel Margalit and Merav Michaeli. However, former leaders Shelly Yachimovich and Amir Peretz are believed to be considering leadership challenges.

According to various media reports, talks between Mr Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu towards a unity Government were at an advanced stage but were frozen after news of the criminal investigation broke.