According to Reuters, Olmert was accused of trying to “help two overseas businessmen” - who, the report says, are Olmert’s “personal friends” - in the bidding for Bank Leumi, Israel’s second biggest bank.

“Neither of the businessmen purchased the bank,” Reuters notes, adding that the controlling share of Bank Leumi was eventually sold to an American investment group for US $540 million.

An investigation is underway into allegations that Olmert “took bribes” during the deal, the BBC reports. It adds that the Prime Minister was already under investigation for the sale of a property to a political supporter at an allegedly inflated price, as well as for “appointments made in 2004 when Olmert was trade and industry minister”.

The Jerusalem Post reports that the State Comptroller, Israel’s government watchdog, is expected to recommend that Olmert be placed under criminal investigation by the Attorney General over the latest allegations.