Israeli President Ezer Weizman has been interviewed by police over an alleged scandal involving hundreds of thousands of dollars given to him by a French millionaire.

Police questioned Mr Weizman, his wife Rehuma and top aide Aryeh Shumer at his residence in Jerusalem on Thursday. The police arrived in an unmarked police van.

At the same time in Switzerland, police quizzed millionaire Edouard Saroussi about money he gave the president in the 1980s.

The questioning took place at Israel's request, and Zurich district attorney's office said Israeli officers were present.

'Not interrogated'

An Israeli police spokesman stressed that Mr Weizman "had not, strictly speaking, been interrogated" but that three policemen, who had gone to his office, had listened to his statement.

Mr Weizman refused to comment to journalists about what he told police but said he would issue an additional statement on Sunday.

Police are investigating whether the president failed to declare to the tax authorities money given to him by Mr Saroussi.

He could also face charges of corruption if investigators prove that he received the money while a minister in the 1980s.

Mr Weizman has admitted receiving cash from Mr Saroussi between 1988 and 1993, but says it was less than the $453,000 reported by an investigative journalist, who set off the scandal late last year.

Personal gift

Mr Weizman has insisted the money was a personal gift, and he was following his lawyer's advice in not reporting it to tax authorities.

The attorney-general ordered the police investigation when he discovered what he called a business relationship between the two.

Mr Weizman, 75, has so far resisted pressure to resign his post or suspend himself while the investigation is in progress.

His term runs until 2003, but even before the scandal there were rumours he would step down before that date.

Moral authority

Israel's president fulfils a mostly ceremonial role, but is considered a source of moral authority.

Critics say Mr Weizman has damaged the image of the presidency by refusing to step aside.