Opposition leader Yitzhak Herzog has apologized to Zionist Union MK Arel Margalit, he stated Monday, after Herzog accused him of being behind the corruption allegations brought against the party chairman last month.
Herzog is suspected of receiving illegal donations, not reporting the donations and submitting falsified declarations during the Labor party primaries in 2013, in which he took over the party leadership from MK Shelly Yechimovich.
While police hinted they would close the case entirely on Sunday night, Herzog apologized to Margalit for making the accusation as early as last week, he said.
Margalit was accused of bringing evidence forward that sparked the investigation, despite the issue having been reported by Israel Hayom over a year ago. Margalit not only vehemently denied these claims, but held them in contempt; Herzog's aides insisted on spreading the rumor, however, because he would have been a major contender to replace Herzog as leader of the Zionist Union.
When asked about the status of his relationship with Herzog Monday on an interview with Channel 2, Margalit confirmed it was "very good" and that any apparent grudges had been papered over.
Fellow MK Eitan Cabel similarly welcomed the close of the investigation Monday, telling Army Radio that "Herzog is the leader" and that most of the party is happy at the outcome.