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Police are expected to recommend closing a probe into the Opposition leader due to insufficient evidence, according to a report on Israel’s Channel 2 TV news.

The final decision on a possible indictment of MK Isaac Herzog rests with the Attorney General, Avichai Mandelbilt. However, he is unlikely to pursue charges against the police’s recommendation.

Mr Mandelbilt had ordered a preliminary investigation into claims that Mr Herzog had accepted an illegal donation of around £7500 during the Labour party leadership election campaign. Mr Herzog won that campaign, defeating then-leader Shelly Yachimovich MK. The money in question was allegedly used to run an anti-Yachimovich campaign via an NGO. The investigation centred on whether Mr Herzog was aware of the donation and if he tried to cover it up.

According to Channel 2, the investigation into Mr Herzog is almost complete but has not produced any solid evidence. Mr Herzog himself was questioned under caution for several hours last week.

Most Labor/Zionist Union MKs have rallied around Mr Herzog, supporting him and giving him their backing.  Support had been more muted, though, from Ms Yachimovich and from another former Labor leader, Amir Peretz. Both are believed to be planning leadership challenges to Mr Herzog.

Another Labor member believed to be bidding for the leadership is Erel Margalit. In a provocative and expletive-laden video released last week, Mr Margalit attacked figures on Israel’s Left and Right and laid out his critique of both the current Government and the Labor party. The video attracted substantial media attention, but was criticised by other MKs in the Zionist Union party.