Jerusalem (ANTARA News/AFP) - Russia has expelled Israel`s military attache at its Moscow embassy on spying allegations, Israeli defence officials said on Wednesday, dismissing the charges as unfounded.

The officials said Air Force Colonel Vadim Leiderman returned to Israel several days ago after being questioned by Russian authorities over espionage allegations and then told to leave the country immediately.

Israel`s state-run Channel One television said the Russians released him without charges owing to his diplomatic immunity.

"He was suspected by the Russians of running several local residents," the TV said.

"He was taken in for questioning in Moscow about 10 days ago, the police asked him some questions. Because of his diplomatic immunity they were not able to do more but he asked to immediately leave the country and he did so," it added. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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