The National Fraud Investigation Unit on Tuesday began questioning opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu over the source of funds used to finance a number of surveys conducted on his behalf in recent years.

Netanyahu is suspected of using Education Ministry funds to pay for dozens of surveys conducted for him personally by former ministry official Yaakov Katz, who is considered to be the Likud chairman's "personal pollster."

The polls in question, which asked various political questions and examined public perception, were allegedly used for the purpose of advancing Netanyahu's personal standing.

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Katz was questioned last April for alleged fraud and breach of trust in the affair. According to suspicions, Katz facilitated a personal survey institute during his tenure as pedagogical secretary for the Education Ministry, using ministry funds to finance the polls.

Katz was initially investigated by the state service commissioner after it became clear that he had conducted surveys on behalf of Netanyahu for his personal institute, Channel 10 has revealed. The state commissioner transferred the case to the fraud unit to investigate any criminal aspects.