Police are expected to recommend filing an indictment against former finance minister Avraham Hirchson, it was reported on Tuesday.

Police investigators believe they have gathered enough evidence to indict the former minister on a series of allegations of theft and fraud.

Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz is to decide whether or not to indict Hirchson after examining the evidence filed by the police and prosecutor's office, and after holding a hearing for the embattled former minister, the report in Yediot Aharonot said.

Hirchson suspended himself temporarily a month and a half ago after falling under serious allegations concerning embezzlement of funds from the National union of Workers and two of its subsidiary organizations, namely the Nili organization.

Political factors estimate that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will appoint a new finance minister within a few weeks.