AG closes graft investigation into Herzog

Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announces he is closing a criminal investigation into opposition leader and Zionist Union chairman Isaac Herzog over suspected campaign financing irregularities.

The suspicions, which surfaced in May 2016, hinged on direct payments made by donors to members of Herzog’s leadership campaign.

According to a statement released by the Attorney General’s office, Mandelblit did not find enough evidence for an indictment.

The investigation dealt with suspicions surrounding the 2013 Labor Party primaries, in which Herzog beat incumbent Shelly Yachimovich for the leadership. That probe has not been upgraded to a full-blown investigation. Herzog was also suspected of failing to report a donation and of making a false statement to the Central Elections Committee.