Yitzhak Herzog
Yitzhak HerzogFlash 90

Zionist Union leader Yitzhak Herzog has said he is "perfectly calm" despite the escalating controversy over his alleged corruption.

Speaking at a Labor Party event, Herzog insisted he was innocent of any crime, and expressed confidence he would be exonerated in due course.

"Since reports of the investigation were published I said publicly, and also in a personal capacity, that this is part and parcel of the challenges of leadership," he said Tuesday afternoon, adding that he plans to cooperate fully with any investigation.

"I will deal with this libel, I will cooperate with every inquiry, investigation, and question, and I will stand (and testify) anywhere, anytime. I am perfectly calm."

He told party activists he had no plans to step down despite calls for him to do so, vowing to fight the allegations until his name is cleared.

While many members of his Zionist Union faction - comprising of the Labor and Hatnua parties - back their leaders, some MKs have begun to voice concern over the potential harm the ongoing corruption saga could have on the leading opposition party.

Less than an hour before Herzog's comments, senior Labor MK and former party leader Shelly Yechimovich hinted that Herzog should consider stepping down over the controversy - echoing similar views aired by another fellow MK earlier in the day.