Israeli PM questioned by police

PM Olmert faces several allegations, but has never been charged

Police investigators in Israel have been questioning the Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, under caution.

The police have refused to disclose the reasons for the questioning, but Mr Olmert is already the subject of investigations into alleged corruption.

Mr Olmert's office said he would co-operate fully with investigators and was sure the allegations against him would be found to be false.

The prime minister has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

Short-notice interview

Israeli media report that Attorney General Menachem Mazuz on Thursday took the unusual step of permitting an "urgent" interrogation of Mr Olmert at his home.

Some newspapers have suggested there may be a new inquiry connected to alleged payments from an American businessman.

Existing investigations are examining the discounted price Mr Olmert paid for a house in an expensive area of Jerusalem, and into appointments he made to a state-run business authority.

All relate to his time in government before becoming prime minister in 2006.

Mr Olmert's office said he had "freed an hour from his busy schedule" to talk to police.

Case dropped

It said he would co-operate fully with investigators, "as he has on all previous occasions".

Last November, police concluded there was insufficient evidence to pursue allegations that Mr Olmert used his role as finance minister to influence the privatisation of a state-run bank in favour of a friend.

Mr Olmert, who strongly denies any allegations of wrongdoing, has never been charged. He has rejected demands that he should take temporary leave from his post to confront the allegations.