Israeli finance minister resigns

The allegations are linked to Mr Hirchson's time as a union head

Israel's finance minister has resigned as police investigate allegations of embezzlement at a workers' union he headed in 2003.

Avraham Hirchson temporarily stepped down from the cabinet in April but has now decided to formally resign.

He denies allegations that he failed to report embezzlement at the union.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has been acting as finance minister but is expected to name a replacement in the coming days.