The Russian Foreign Ministry on Thursday said it has expelled Israeli's military attaché in Moscow on allegations the officer were spying and was gathering intelligence against Russia.

The Foreign Ministry Web site identified the Israeli officer as Vladim Leiderman, a representative of Israel's Defense Ministry.

"The Russian Foreign Ministry confirms the information that military attache V. Leiderman of the Israeli Embassy in Moscow was detained directly in the act of receiving intelligence from a Russian citizen in Moscow on May 12.

"In connection with the activities incompatible with Leiderman's diplomatic status, the Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed protest and declared him persona non grata.

"A note has been passed to the Israeli side saying that Leiderman must leave the Russian Federation within 48 hours, which he has done," the Russian Foreign Ministry statement said.

The Israel Defense Forces denied the allegation of spying against Col. Leiderman and added that its government was surprised of the investigation.

The IDF commented, "Defense officials in Israel did a thorough, deep check on Col. Leiderman and discovered the claims were unfounded. Col. Leiderman is currently in Israel and underwent a security investigation by defense forces over the weekend."