Olmert

İsrail'de adamın biri falcıya gideRr. Avucuna bakar bakmaz, falcının yüzü karışır. Telaşla sorar adam: "Hayırdır… Halim çook mu Kötü (kem)?" Falcı cevap verir: "Üzgünüm… Pek yakın bir vakitte, tüm Ortadoğu'nun felaketine sebep olacak bir iş yapacaksınız!.." kenndini Deccal gibi hisseden adamcağız ne yapsın? En yakın demir yoluna gidip,

Ballpoint on Paper,January-2009

O primeiro ministro de Israel, Ehud Olmert, disse nesta quarta feira, depois de participar de uma reunião com seu gabinete de segurança, que as atuais condições não são adequadas para um cessa fogo com Gaza, mas não descartou uma trégua no futuro. Leia mais Resumo da notícia via Feed (RSS). Clique no link abaixo para ler a [...]

History, both past and recent, has shown that "Land for Peace" is a sham at best. IT DOESN'T WORK. However, fact and truth have no impact on blind idealists or politicians. A report compiled by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's National Security Council recommends Israel pursue negotiations with Syria in 2009 to counteract threats from Iran and Hamas, Reuters reported Sunday. The official

In the last days of his being a "leader", Ehud Olmert clearly wants revenge for daring to bring him down: (IsraelNN.com) Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has promised to release yet another 250 terrorists from prison, as a goodwill holiday gesture to PA chief Mahmoud Abbas. Olmert made the promise in a meeting with Abbas in Jerusalem on Monday afternoon. MK Ruby Rivlin (Likud) said about the

Ehud Olmert, still as disrespectful as ever, undergoes his ninth interrogation yet. Eventually, he's going to go down for his crimes, and learn an important lesson.

Israel Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni made clear she opposes efforts by Prime Minister Olmert to reach a peace agreement with President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority. She told French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, “I do not believe in far-reaching proposals and an attempt to expedite matters, especially in light of the political situation.” Olmert told [...]

Most Israelis will likely breath a sigh of relief when the curtain finally descends on the Ehud Olmert administration. Here are his latest words of wisdom."(I am saying) what no previous Israeli leader has ever said: we should withdraw from almost all of the territories, including in East Jerusalem and in the Golan Heights,"He's under the delusion Israel can buy peace with that, despite all histor

It took at least two years, during which this disgraceful man did quite a few reprehensible things, but now, Ehud Olmert has finally announced his resignation. And it took place this evening at 7:30 PM, Israeli time. (Update: here's the news in English.) Of course he's not the only politician as corrupt as he's been, there's been quite a few others. And it won't be sad to see him go either.

Aujourd'hui 17 septembre 2008, en Israel c'est le début du scrutin pour remplacer le Premier Ministre du Gouvernement Israélien Ehud Olmert et chef du parti centriste de Kadima. Ehud Olmert doit donc laisser sa place à la tête du gouvernement, suite aux forts soupçons l'implicant dans des affaires de corruptions. Ehud Olmert avait été convoqué en Mai 2008 par les services de Police en cha

According to this item from the China-commie run Xinhua site, Yoram Turbowitz, one of Ehud Olmert's "peace" advisors, has resigned. Good.

The Israeli police are seeking an indictment of Ehud Olmert: JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israeli police said on Sunday they wanted Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to face criminal charges in a corruption scandal driving him from office during peace talks with the Palestinians. Issuing a non-binding recommendation, police said they had evidence showing that Olmert illegally received money from a U.S.

Okay… Now I’m convinced, Olmert is an Arab plant; pulling a reverse Eli Cohen on Israel! It’s either that or he is actively pursuing the “worst Prime Minister in history” title… Hey Ehud, stop trying so hard, you had me at Lebanon! Today Olmert added to his caustic record, releasing 200 convicted “Palestinian” prisoners. Among these poor, deprived vampires, are [...]

So far, I've only been able to find this Hebrew-language article on NFC, but as told here, the FBI wants to investigate Ehud Olmert on suspicion that he exploited a US branch of the Jerusalem Foundation for his money-grubbing activities.

Noam Shalit, father of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, on Olmert resleasing 200 terrorists: "I am all for gestures, and I am in favor of releasing prisoners, even much more prisoners, but only after Gilad is released"

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stated today that Israel will not accept the return of any Palestinian refugees. This contradicts an earlier rumor that Israel might be willing to accept 2,000 refugees a year for ten years. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ office fired back with a statement calling Olmert’s stance unacceptable. Of course, even 20,000 would have been a drop in the

Another revelation about Olmert's obsession with money: Prime Minister Ehud Olmert demanded $5,000 dollars after speaking at a fund raising event for an organization that runs the Sarel IDF volunteer program, Channel 10 reported Wednesday. The TV channel quoted Sarel founder Col. Aharon Davidi (ret.), a former OC Paratroops and Infantry, as saying that in 1994, when Olmert was Jerusalem mayor,

After a short challenge between the Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and the Israeli community, again Israel proved that democracy is a game that can be played the way needed. Prime Minister Olmert stated that he will resign from his rank on September after the elections of the political party Kadema. The reason is the [...]

Here's more on Ehud Olmert's resignation, and there's plenty more around the blogosphere now in discussion. Soccerdad's got more on the subject. In this report, it's told that the police may urge an indictment of Olmert over the "Olmertours" and Talansky affairs. If they do, that'll be one more good thing, and yet one more that Olmert deserves. Update: Yoram Turbowicz, Olmert's top aid

´the first-minister of Israel, Ehud Olmert, surprised the world politician when announcing in the Wednesday that goes to leave the position later that its Kadima party to choose a new leader, in September. Olmert came being accused with corruption, and its exit can provoke anticipated elections, in which the leader rightist Benjamin Netanyahu appears as favourite. “I decided that I do not go

Prime Minister Olmert is going to resign. Olmert says he will resign after Kadima elects new leader In a dramatic announcement, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Wednesday evening that he will not run in the upcoming Kadima primary and will...

Il premier - sotto inchiesta per fondi illegali - annuncia che lasceràdopo che il suo partito, il prossimo settembre, avrà scelto un nuovo leader Olmert si dimetterà entro due mesi e non si candiderà alle primarie

He may be due for questioning again next week, but according to recent reports, he'd rather defy responsibility: A few hours after Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz criticized Prime Minister Ehud Olmert for "evading" detectives trying to schedule a fourth session of questioning, the premier's lawyers informed police that he would be available for questioning next Friday. "Olmert's law

Embattled Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert declared on Sunday that Israel and the Palestinians have never been closer to making peace - even as a widening corruption investigation brings him closer than ever to being ousted from office. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas - who met with Olmert at the French presidential palace before a summit of European, Middle Eastern and African leaders - als

Yet more investigations are being launched against him: (IsraelNN.com) In a joint statement issued early Friday afternoon, the police and Justice Ministry said that they are looking into new allegations against Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. According to these allegations, Olmert used to have several bodies – including the government – finance his trips abroad when he was Mayor of Jerusalem and

(H/T Our Jerusalem) Outside, we could hear the men storming about. Desperately, we sought to hide. Danny helped our neighbor climb into a crawl space above our bedroom; I went in behind her with Yael in my arms. Then Danny grabbed Einat and was dashing out the front door to take refuge in an underground shelter when the terrorists came crashing into our flat. They held Danny and Einat while they

Akhirnya, rezim zionis Israel pun harus mengakui kembali kekalahannya di hadapan gerakan Hezbullah Lebanon, setelah rezim penjajah ini sepakat menjalin pertukaran tawanan dengan Hezbullah. Dengan disahkannya keputusan pembebasan para tawanan Lebanon oleh kabinet rezim zionis, maka hitungan mundur detik-detik masa pembebasan para tawanan Lebanon telah dimulai. Rezim zionis berjanji bakal melakukan

PA TV som kontrolleras av Mahmoud Abbas visar under helgen upp den livstidsdömde Samir Kuntar (se bild med Israels karta i palestinaflaggans färger). Under veckan ska Kuntar friges i utbyte mot kvarlevorna av de kidnappade israeliska soldaterna Eldad Regev och Ehud Goldwasser (enl. Dick Haas) PLO-LEDARE om Kuntar: - Det palestinska folket och det palestinska ledarskapet står bakom dig. - Quntar

Considering Olmert's abundant Dhimmi past, I'm not surprised...

Here's the latest news on the Olmert investigation: Police say investigators have left for the US to question people in connection with the corruption probe involving Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said that the investigators flew to the US on Monday and are expected to be there about two weeks. He had no further details. Israel Radio reported that the officers

Two prominent stories this week feature sources citing IMMINENT events.  If you aren’t convinced that the portal to the Bizarro World has sucked you into an alternate reality then keep reading. Canadian & American Intelligence warn that Hezbollah attacks on Jews worldwide are imminent. At the very same time, a Lebanese official has stated that the release of [...]

To signal the end of his career, as he may now be endorsing a primary on Wednesday: Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is likely to initiate the end of his political career on Wednesday when he is expected to give the authorization necessary for a primary in Kadima to replace him. Olmert had intended to defy political pressure and continue to try to stall the process of ending his premiership, but

Well, I'd say it figures: (IsraelNN.com) Former Finance Minister Avraham Hirschson has been added to the growing list of those who may be involved in campaign finance irregularities and other forms of corruption in the widening investigation against Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. As part of the criminal investigation of Hirschson, Israel Police revealed Tuesday they are examining possible links

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM - PalestineNews : Israeli premier Ehud Olmert is to head a consultative meeting grouping him with war minister Ehud Barak and foreign minister Tzipi Livni on Tuesday to decide whether to launch a large-scale offensive on Gaza Strip, the Hebrew radio reported on Monday. The radio quoted Israeli political sources as saying that Barak is adamant on launching a "severe military offe

Izraelski premijer Ehud Olmert rekao je u petak kako razmatra 'oštru vojnu akciju' u Gazi u slučaju neuspjeha pregovora s palestinskim islamističkim pokretom Hamas.

US President George W. Bush and Israeli premier Ehud Olmert say the international community must take the ‘Iranian threat seriously’. At the outset of Wednesday talks with the Israeli prime minister Bush suggested that Washington is committed to rallying up support against Tehran, claiming that, “Iran is an existential threat to peace.” “It is very important for the

Isi Leibler in the Jerusalem Post talks about Ehud Olmert's investigation, and says that: It could be weeks, or even months. But Ehud Olmert's political fate is sealed. Even if the nauseating revelations in Morris Talansky's testimony fail to result in a formal indictment, Olmert has passed the point of no return in the court of public opinion, which has determined that he must go. The displays

GAZA - PalestineInfo : The Hamas Movement on Sunday condemned PA chief Mahmoud Abbas's insistence on meeting with Zionist occupation leaders despite their ongoing murder crimes, aggression, judaization and colonization against the Palestinian people and lands. Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman, said in a statement to the PIC that the "dangerous" point in Abbas's meeting with Olmert on Monday i

NAZARETH - PalestineInfo : Israeli premier Ehud Olmert is to disuses calm with the Palestinian resistance factions during a mini-cabinet session on Sunday to precede his meeting with PA chief Mahmoud Abbas on Monday, Israeli government sources told the Hebrew media. They said that a number of ministers in Olmert's government oppose the calm including his first deputy Haim Ramon. They demand launch

I love Bi-Bi. He’s a hawk, and Hamas will be wetting their pants if they have to deal with him.  He’s a no-nonsense conservative who will not hesitate to defend Israel.  Let’s hope this happens soon. Yahoo News JERUSALEM - Hardline Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu would win national elections if a corruption probe topples Prime Minister [...]

Only fantasists can believe that in this day and age, and in the current situation, it is still possible to cling to the vision of 'Greater Israel,' Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday. Olmert participated in the committee's session to brief them on the resumption of negotiations with Syria and to address criticism of his ap

But Mr. Olmert, who has not been charged, seemed determined to stay put. Late Wednesday, according to the Israeli news media, he said, “There are those who believe that the launching of any investigation demands a resignation, but I don’t adhere to this notion and I will not step down.”An official close to Mr. Olmert said, “The prime minister is convinced that as this investigation continu

A Palestinian suicide bomber carried out an attack at a border crossing yesterday, killing only himself. The same day, a Hamas-led protest drew fire from Israeli soldiers: Later on Thursday, hundreds of Palestinians answered a Hamas call to protest the blockade, gathering on the Gaza side of the Karni crossing, an almost entirely closed commercial terminal on the territory’s eastern edge. Soldie

A day before he goes for another interrogative round, here's what's now told: The National Fraud Unit believes Prime Minister Ehud Olmert made "personal use" of the funds he received from New York financier Morris Talansky, a senior law enforcement official confirmed on Wednesday evening, as a media-ban on the criminal investigation was lifted. "Talansky transferred money to Olmert

Here's some of the latest on Ehud Olmert's shady business: While serving as minister of industry, trade and labor, and not just during election campaigns, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert received, in person, cash envelopes from American business Morris Talansky, State Attorney Moshe Lador told the Supreme Court monday, adding that new details of Olmert's alleged corruption would be revealed in the

President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush are joined by Mrs. Aliza Olmert, wife of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and Israel’s President Shimon Peres as Israeli Prime Minister Olmert delivers remarks Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at arrival ceremonies for President and Mrs. Bush in Tel Aviv. White House photo by Chris Greenberg President Bush Arrives in Israel, FULL STREAMING VIDEO Welcomed by Presid

Get ready for the international and islamic castigation: Olmert told Suleiman that any agreement must deal with stopping arms smuggling from Sinai into the Gaza Strip and the release of captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit. I would figure these to be reasonable demands. In fact, if an Arab.islamists nation were on the receiving end they would claim the same. However, these kind of stipulations

Just today, the police paid a visit to Jerusalem's municipality: Detectives from the National Fraud Unit raided the Jerusalem City Hall with a search warrant on Monday afternoon, seeking documents dating back to Olmert's two terms as mayor of the capital from 1993 to 2003, during which he is suspected of illegally receiving funds from New York financer Morris Talansky. "The search is linked

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert made clear he is not going to discuss issues with Hamas, but will put an end to the Gaza rocket attacks through some form of military action. “Let it be clear,” he told the Israel Cabinet, “we view Hamas as completely responsible for everything that happens in the Gaza Strip. [...]

Israeli's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has recently faced a number of accusations regarding financial scandals, as well as rising cries for his resignation. So far, he is refusing to step down. Olmert, whose departure could disrupt U.S.-sponsored peace negotiations with the Palestinians, pressed on with his duties after telling the nation in a late-night address on Israel's 60th Independence Day that he would resign only if the attorney general could produce sufficient evidence to indict him. Coalition allies have been conspicuously mute in offering their public support. But the prime minister, who will host U.S. President George W. Bush next week, looked relaxed when speaking in Jerusalem to Canadians who raise funds for Israel. He made only an oblique, passing reference to his troubles, sa

Prme Minister Ehud Olmert is facing criminal charges for supposedly accepting money from businessmen, but he is also under attack from another source as Palestinian Authority officials blast his latest comments as deliberate distortion of what is taking place in negotiations. Palestinians leaders are upset at the recent comment by Olmert that “significant progress” has [...]

Here's another report on Ehud Olmert's rapidly growing scandal: Uri Messer's testimony will cause difficulties for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in the investigation of suspicions that the prime minister accepted large sums of money from US businessman Morris Talansky, legal officials were quoted as saying Friday. Yediot Aharonot and Ma'ariv reported that Messer, Olmert's close associate and lawyer

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert admitted on Thursday taking bribes from a U.S. businessman but refused to resign. All of this on Israel's sixtieth birthday :(Note: He said he would resign only if formally indicted.Link - Skynews

A New York-area businessman and philanthropist has emerged as a key figure in an Israeli investigation into financial dealings of Ehud Olmert that have cast a new cloud over the embattled prime minister. Morris "Moshe" Talansky of Woodmere, Long Island, was questioned by police in Israel about reported payments he made to Olmert in the 1990s, when the prime minister served as Jerusalem's mayor, according to the New York Post, which first reported the story Tuesday. The investigation, which emerged last week, threatens to embarrass Olmert as the country marks its 60th anniversary of independence on Thursday. Dozens of world leaders, including President Bush, are scheduled to join celebrations next week. An Israeli court has barred publication of most details of the case. A court s

And tells about a millionaire in the midst of it (via My Right Word and NFC): A Long Island mogul is at the center of a sensational bribery scandal that could bring down embattled Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, The Post has learned. Millionaire financier Morris Talansky - who runs an investment firm out of his tony home in Woodmere - allegedly passed money to Olmert while the politician

Pathetic pacifism.  Not just to Syria, but to the world community.  It’s insane to think that Syria will commit to peace if the Golan Heights are given back.  They are intent on Israel’s destruction just as much as other Muslim countries are. Why would Olmert go to so much length to appease the international community and [...]

04-04-2008Estimado(a) Ehud Olmert,Le escribo para pedirle que se una a los jefes de estado que han pedido públicamente a China que abra un diálogo con el Dalai Lama sobre la situación en el Tíbet. Soy una del millón y medio de personas en todo el Mundo que firmaron una petición apoyando esta causa, y miles más se unen a nosotros diariamente. Con los Juegos Olímpicos en camino, contamos con que usted utilizará la diplomacia para llevar paz y justicia al Tíbet.Sinceramente, Norberto PortugheizIsrael ( Enviado a traves de la organizacion AVAAZwww.avaaz.org )

Over the next six months Israeli and PA negotiators are expected to finalize an agreement that will include dividing Jerusalem, flooding Israel with Palestinian immigrants and an Israeli withdrawal to the 1948 Armistice Line.

Remarks by Vice President Cheney and Prime Minister Olmert of Israel in Press Availability JERUSALEM, Mar 22, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Prime Minister’s Residence 8:25 P.M. (Local) PRIME MINISTER OLMERT: Good evening. Welcome, Mr. Vice President. I’m honored and delighted to have you visiting here after five years, which was your last visit. It is particularly significant this time because you [...]

This Hebrew-language article on Walla tells that Mercaz Harav has wisely thought to turn down a visit by Ehud Olmert. After all, his policies have led to this happening and letting him visit will not make things any better. On the other hand, John McCain is supposed to visit Israel in 2 weeks, and I think he should visit Mercaz Harav in a show of solidarity, which would be a most positive sign.

Mr. Ehud Olmert, Did Hamas do it or not? Was it Hizbollah? In the grand scheme of events it really doesn't matter. The fact is a "palestinian" went into an Israeli school and killed students. Who sent him to do it is up for debate. My bet is on Hamas. The initial claim and then disclaim are too suspicious. Once Hamas realized the repercussions of this act, they tried to take back their claim.

The following is a press release from Americans for a Safe Israel I received by email today. Judging by the headline in today's Jpost, Olmert and Abbas to start negotiations on core issues the long awaited crash of the Olmert regime may finally come to fruition. Bye bye Shas and Yisrael Beitenu. Pres. Bush may leave Israel wondering if he caused his friend Ehud his job. Click to enlargePress Release: U.S. Evangelical Leaders Reject Palestinian State in Judea and Samariain Jerusalem Post Ad Keyed to President Bush’s Arrival in IsraelJerusalem, 1/8/08 – Proclaiming “an ineradicable bond between the geographical integrity of the land…and God’s promise of the land as “an everlasting possession” to the people of Israel, 26 American Evangelical pastors and lay leaders from 11 state

Yossi Verter reports in Haaretz on the warming relations between Olmert and Peretz (Hebrew Version), labeling it a "Late Love":A senior figure in the Labor Party this week offered an incisive headline for the relations between Olmert and Peretz: "late love." While Peretz was in the government, their relations were marked by quarrels, lengthy periods of mutual silent treatment, and constant mutual suspiciousness. But after their paths parted, in June of this year, when Peretz was replaced by Ehud Barak as party leader, they rediscovered each other. The time apart has been good for them. Olmert meets frequently with Peretz privately and keeps him abreast of intelligence secrets and security developments. When the relations between the prime minister and the present defense minister deteriorated, Olmert found in Peretz an attentive and sympathetic listener. Olmert also enjoys hearing Peretz attack Barak and urge him to show a warmer attitude toward the negotiations with the Palestinians

I'm using the chance I have to write for several ideas I had over the weekend, posted as separate posts for sake of archiving. Others may have opted for this to be one long post. Yoel Marcus has returned to support Olmert (Hebrew). He supported him for premiership, considering him a successor of Sharon, was quickly disenchanted, and now supports him again. For me, this is only a sign not to take to much notice of someone who is supposed to be a leading commentator. For Olmert, this might be good news.

:: EHUD OLMERT har tydligen sagt Ja till en begäran från PLO att terrorledare får återvända till Betlehem och Gaza. Det är terrorledare som utvisades till länder i Europa i samband med belägringen av Födelsekyrkan i Betlehem våren 2002. Terroristerna tillhör Mahmoud Abbas Fatahmilis och har länge varit anklagade för kampanjer mot Betlehems kristna befolkning. Terroristerna anklagas för planering och genomförande av en mångfald attacker, inklusive självmordsbombningar och dödsskjutningar. EHUD OLMERT tillåter terroristerna att återvända som en gest gentemot Abbas efter den senaste månadens Annapolismöten. BAKGRUND Av de 123 beväpnade terroristerna som förskansat sig i Födelsekyrkan under sex veckor 2002 fördes 13, som stått högst på Israels lista över terrormisstänkta, till Cypern. 26 fördes till Gaza, resten släpptes fria. De som ockuperade Födelsekyrkan tog klostrets folk som gisslan och sökte undkomma Israels anti-terrorgrupp. Mer än 200 nunnor oc

Benjamin Netanyahu has rightfully taken Ehud Olmert to task for his pathetic act during the Annapolis farce: "Arabs do not respect a weak prime minister," opposition leader Binyamin Netanyahu said Thursday following the Annapolis summit, which he described as "a failure." He said there was "a virtual element" to the conference. "It was as if we were talking peace with a courageous partner but (

The Israeli police are to send in their investigation conclusions. It's interesting that MK Zevulun Orlev feels that the police shouldn't make a recommendation on this though: Knesset State Control Committee chairman Zevulun Orlev on Thursday appealed to Public Security Minister Avi Dichter with a request to prevent the Israel Police from submitting its recommendations on Prime Minister Ehud

Life in Israel talks about how this was mentioned on Israel Radio. This apparently had what to do with that Olmert's going to Annapolis, and they were under pressure not to "embarrass" him while he was there. Can we be clear here? Olmert is not a legitimate politician due to his corrupt activities and the police should not hesitate to make an announcement about whether they recommend indicting

Police are close to reaching a decision on the Bank Leumi scandal Olmert was involved in: The team of detectives investigating Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's possible corruption in the sale of Bank Leumi is expected to decide by Sunday whether the evidence gathered in the case justifies charging him. Olmert, who was serving as finance minister at the time of the sale, is suspected of

:: ANNAPOLIS är dömt att misslyckas. Det illustreras suveränt av Linus på linjen: YouTube (02:32)REFLEKTION Den politiskt fastlagda Annapolisprocessen modell George Bush/Condoleezza Rice är dömd att misslyckas eftersom den saknar alla grundläggande förutsättningar för fred. Det enda realistiska alternativet torde vara ELON-planen. Technorati tags: Annapolis Mellanösternkonflikten Israel-Palestinakonflikten Israel Palestina Condoleezza Rice Carl Bildt Läs även andra bloggares åsikter om: Annapolis, Condolezza Rice, Carl Bildt, Bush, Israel, Palestina ::

In a report that touches on the fourth investigation so far of Ehud Olmert's corruption: (IsraelNN.com) State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss has accused Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of using his influence as Minister of Trade, Industry, and Labor to obtain NIS 7.67 million in grants for an associate between 2000 and 2005. Rahamim Ben Shushan, an activist in Likud’s central committee, was given

In another shoddy act of contempt for the public, Ehud Olmert is going to release as many as 450 terrorist prisoners, and even pledging not to build "new settlements". There was a special demonstration held today at the Rose Garden opposite the prime minister's office, calling to release Jewish prisoners and not terrorists. Why exactly are innocent Jews being incarcerated while potentially

A major investigative raid was conducted by Israeli police to gather vital evidence in their investigation of Ehud Olmert: Over 100 investigators from the National Fraud Investigation Unit simultaneously searched more than 20 locations Sunday morning for evidence in connection with three ongoing probes into Prime Minister Ehud Olmert for alleged corruption. Investigators searched private, public

The latest on the probe into Ehud Olmert's bank scam: (IsraelNN.com) The head of the police investigative team probing Olmert's alleged intervention in the Bank Leumi privatization recommends charges against the Prime Minister. According to a report in the Yisrael Hayom Hebrew-language commuter paper this week, the entire investigative team that was actively engaged in the probe supports the

Yes, that's right, THREE criminal investigations! It's a very serious blow to his career that he's been asking for. Here's some more: Israel's attorney-general has ordered a third police investigation into political appointments made by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. The investigation deals a fresh blow to the beleaguered politician who already faces two police probes, one possibly involving

Israel's Olmert to face new police probe(AFP) AFP - Israel's attorney general on Sunday ordered a police investigation into political appointments made by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert when he was trade minister, dealing a fresh blow to the beleaguered politician who already faces two police probes. Israeli land grabs erode confidence, says Rice(AFP) AFP - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Sunday she will tell Israel that its expropriation of Arab lands erodes confidence in its commitment to a two-state solution. Malaysia probes plane stowaway case(AP)AP - A Palestinian man managed to stow away in a wheel well of an airplane flying from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, prompting Malaysian officials to order a probe into how he breached security, reports said Sunday. Israel PM lowers expectations of peace meeting(AFP) AFP - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday sought to lower expectations of a US-sponsored peace meeting saying that a joint document outlining a de

Today, the Israeli police questioned him under caution about his role in bank related fraud when he was finance minister in 2005. I have no doubt he's been very dishonest with them, but now, he's been questioned as last, and that's very important. I think he's going to be questioned further on Thursday, and that's important too.

And this may be even more important than the first. It's into his illegal method of purchasing a house: (IsraelNN.com) Attorney General Menachem Mazuz has instructed the police to launch a criminal investigation against Prime Minister Ehud Olmert regarding his purchase of a private home on Cremieux Street in Jerusalem when he was Mayor of Jerusalem in October 2004. Olmert is suspected of

Ehud Olmert has said that he'll absorb 500 refugees from Darfur, but expel the rest. But look at what he called them:In a decisive move to address the African refugee crisis, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced on Sunday that Israel has agreed to absorb 500 refugees from Darfur among the 2,800 Africans that have illegally entered into Israel."Those who have entered Israel illegally from Egypt will be returned to Egypt," government spokesman David Baker said, according to the Jerusalem Post. "These people are illegal economic migrants and will be returned."Is that implying that they're literally illegal immigrants looking to take advantage of state welfare and jobs like those infiltrating the US? These are people who've fled from the Islamic massacres against the black natives of Sudan, and are really here to find safety. They certainly haven't found it in Egypt, where police once massacred many refugees. They all deserve to find some safety from the barbarism they've been forced

State prosecutor is supposed to issue a decision on an indictment following this investigation:(IsraelNN.com) Testimony by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert before the National Fraud Investigation Unit in the next few days is expected to clinch a decision by State Prosecutor Eran Shendar as to whether to issue an indictment in the Bank Leumi privatization affair.Investigators will grill the prime minister about his involvement in the sale of the government shares in the bank during his reign as acting Finance Minister. The tender was issued by Olmert in November 2005, during the term of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.Olmert is suspected of using his position to help two business associates compete in the bidding for the bank shares. One of the two, Australian business tycoon Frank Lowy, was set to become a controlling shareholder in Bank Leumi after it was privatized.[...]State Prosecutor Eran Shendar is right now deciding whether or not to proceed with the investigation of the Prime Mini

Der israelische Rechnungshof macht Ehud Olmert im Zusammenhang mit dem Libanonkrieg vom Sommer vergangenen Jahres massive Vorwürfe.Rechnungshofchef Micha Lindenstrauss kritisiere in dem Bericht die Regierung, die Armee und Rettungsdienste für schwere Fehler beim Zivilschutz, hiess es in übereinstimmenden Medienberichten.Dabei würden Regierungschef Olmert, Ex-Verteidigungsminister Amir Perez sowie der frühere Generalstabschef Dan Halutz und ein Kommandeur des Zivilschutzes direkt beschuldigt, meldete der Armeerundfunk. Der Bericht soll morgen Donnerstag veröffentlicht werden. Laut öffentlich-rechtlichem Rundfunk hat Olmert bereits eine Antwort verfasst.In einem Ende April veröffentlichten ersten Bericht einer unabhängigen Untersuchungskommission waren Olmert, Perez und der Armeeführung bereits schwere Versäumnisse und überhastete Entscheidungen angelastet worden.Im Kabinett und aus der eigenen Partei Kadima wurden daraufhin Rücktrittsforderungen an Olmert gerichtet, die er

The state attorney's office has decided to recommend opening an investigation into Ehud Olmert's buying a house unlawfully:Despite reports late Sunday night that a criminal investigation would be opened against Prime Minister Ehud Olmert regarding his purchase of a home on the capital's Cremieux Street in 2004, Justice Ministry officials insisted that the case was simply in a "very advanced stage, pending a decision."Justice Ministry spokesman Moshe Cohen refused to confirm or deny rumors that State Attorney Eran Shendar had decided to recommend to Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz that Olmert face a criminal investigation for the real estate purchase.In the Justice Ministry, however, the belief was that a decision on a criminal probe would be made in the next two to three weeks.The circumstances surrounding the purchase of Olmert's home in the German Colony neighborhood raised suspicions last year when reports were released that Olmert, who formerly served as both mayor of Jerusalem

(Ehud Olmert) Right wing blasts PM over Syria report - The Jerusalem PostExcerpt:"Right-wingers were seething on Friday afternoon after a report that a recent flurry of secret messages from Israel to Syria signaled Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's willingness to give up the Golan Heights in return for a peace agreement."http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1181228572173&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFullAlex

Jerusalem, June 6 (Xinhua) A meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas scheduled for Thursday has been postponed at the Palestinians’ request, Olmert’s office said Wednesday. According to the prime minister’s office, the main divergence of the two sides was the Palestinian taxes, which were withheld by Israel. Media reports quoted chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat as saying that Israel refused the Palestinian’s request for the release of the money. Other Palestinian officials said Israel was also unwilling to accept a Palestinian demand to revive the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip on condition that it is extended to the West Bank.

The time for Olmert to face the Knesset and explain his refusal to resign is drawing near:(IsraelNN.com) Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will be forced to stand before the Knesset Tuesday afternoon and explain his response to the Winograd Committee's interim report in a session entitled, "The Prime Minister's Refusal to Surrender his Position Following the Winograd Report."PM Olmert has, until now, avoided offering an explanation to the Knesset, where outbursts and recriminations are a part of most addresses.Forty MKs signed a petition forcing Olmert to answer questions regarding his decision to stay in power following the damning report.I wonder if he'll be stuttering as he appears before them? But he certainly does have a lot explaining to do.

One of Ehud Olmert's associates in his illegal activities appears to be hiding evidence against him:(IsraelNN.com) In a report Friday, journalist Yoav Yitzchak said that the company accused of bribing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert by giving him a huge discount on the purchase of an apartment in a project for which he helped arrange hard-to-get permits had “lost” an important piece of evidence in the case. The Alumot construction company, which developed the Carmia project in which Olmert reportedly purchased an apartment at a $600,000 discount, says that it cannot find an appraisal document prepared by the company that states the developers could expect between NIS 1.8 million and NIS 2 million for dwellings of the type and size Olmert was able to purchase – for NIS 1.2 million.Are he and they trying now to destroy evidence? It would seem that way.

He wants to appear before the Lebanon war commission again:JERUSALEM (AP) - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert wants to appear again before the Lebanon war commission, after testimony released by the body showed he blamed the army for shortcomings but acknowledged he ignored warnings that Israeli forces were unprepared for the conflict last summer.Olmert's office said late Thursday that he wants to counter a statement to the commission from his foreign minister and political rival, Tzipi Livni, that she recommended a diplomatic solution instead of a large-scale military operation the day after Hezbollah guerrillas captured two soldiers and killed three in a cross-border raid. Olmert said there was no such recommendation.Olmert's appearance before the panel failed to stave off its severe censure of his wartime performance. Last week's publication of the commission's first report triggered a wave of calls for his resignation.The war ended without Israeli forces fulfilling Olmert's two state

The MKs want Ehud Olmert to explain why he refuses to resign:MKs from both opposition and coalition parties submitted a petition to Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik on Tuesday demanding the plenum hold a special debate with the participation of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to discuss "the prime minister's refusal to resign following the Winograd report."46 MKs signed the petition, including six from the Labor Party. The signatures of only 40 MKs are legally required in order to force the prime minister to participate.[...]"We only turned to the clause in the Basic Law: The Government that forces the prime minister to participate in the discussion after Olmert, who refuses to take responsibility, evaded appearing before the Knesset plenum," [Gideon] Sa'ar said.To date, Olmert has refrained from addressing the report before the plenum.[...]"The prime minister cannot continue avoiding to deal with the report and its severe findings," [Ami] Ayalon said. "If he does not understand himself that h

Ehud Olmert, obviously desperate for survival, is trying to make the Likud an offer to join the government if Labor pulls out by offering them the defense portfolio. My recommendation: don't take it at all. The man is facing charges over his corrupt activities anyway.In another related item, Condi Rice has cancelled a trip to Israel following the publication of the Winograd report. That's just as well, since she's been undermining US policy already as it is.

This evening saw the biggest anti-government rally in quite a while. At least 200,000 people attended:Over 200,000 people have gathered in Tel Aviv's Rabin Square on Thursday night as a mass rally against Prime Minister Ehud Olmert gained momentum.Bereaved parents were the first to address the crowd.Asnag Vishneri, the mother of a soldier who was killed in Gaza, said, “We demand a leadership that is not cut off from the nation and that isn’t led by egos and political calculations.“I call on the government to look into the eyes of the real losers of this failed war, the bereaved families, and ask us for forgiveness.”[...]The demonstration was organized in the wake of a damning interim report on the handling of last summer's war with Hizbullah.The Winograd Commission, appointed by Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz last September, censured both leaders for their flawed leadership during the war.People from all walks of life poured into the square to convey their frustratio

Top Party Official Calls for Olmert to Resign - New York TimesExcerpt:"A senior official in Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s own party openly called for him to resign today, adding to mounting pressure in the wake of a damning report about Mr. Olmert’s performance in last summer’s war against Hezbollah.Avigdor Itzhaki, chairman of the Kadima Party’s representatives in Parliament and chairman of the governing coalition, told Army Radio that he was “trying to persuade Kadima members to ask the prime minister to resign.” He added that if Mr. Olmert did not resign, he would.In response, aides of Mr. Olmert called Mr. Itzhaki a disloyal “subversive” who has “no place in this government,” according to Army Radio."http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/02/world/middleeast/02cnd-israel.html?_r=1&hp&oref=sloginAlex

And now, Ehud Olmert has just been confronted with very hard, serious charges of corruption:State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss on Wednesday informed the attorney-general that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert may have been guilty of criminal behavior by taking an active part in an Investment Center decision to provide a $10 million grant to a company represented by his close friend, former partner and personal lawyer, Uriel Messer.The letter to Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz came in the wake of a 30-page report released on the same day entitled "Conflict of Interests on the Part of the Minister of Commerce and Industry." The decision to provide the grant to the company represented by Messer was made under the previous government, when Olmert served as minister of commerce and industry.[...]According to Lindenstrauss, Silicat Industries Inc. applied to the Investment Center in October 2001 for status as an "approved industry," which would enable it to obtain government money to build a Sili

An amazing bit of news today. Ehud Olmert cited Tzipi Livni as being just as responsible during the second Lebanon war as he was:(IsraelNN.com) Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, in an interview with Army Radio on Sunday, said that the Israeli government made mistakes during the Second Lebanon War, and included Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni in the list of officials who made the mistakes.Livni is the highest ranking member of the government who has not endured widespread criticism and/or investigation since the summer. There is widespread belief that she is the most likely candidate to take over the Kadima party before the next elections.But with Olmert's turning against her and pointing a finger of blame at her as well, I think that any premier career hopes she may have are about to go the way of Hillary Clinton's.

All religious differences aside, the reform movement has serious issues. It actually believes that a withdrawal right now from Iraq would benefit Israel’s security? Olmert told them point blank that it would hurt Israel, but maybe the Reform movement has better intelligence resources than the... [ visit A Jewish Blog to continue reading ]

Ehud Olmert was on television a short while ago, admitting he's unpopular yet blaming it on the media, his opponents, and on Benjamin Netanyahu.In his speech, Olmert admitted that he is not popular as a Prime Minister, but blamed that fact on the media and on his opponents. Olmert singled out Likud head Binyamin Netanyahu for attack, saying that Netanyahu takes every opportunity to criticize him.Oh, please, can it, Olmert. You're unpopular because you FAILED. In Lebanon, and even in the case of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit. And if you're smart, you'll simply step down from office and make everyone happy.

But that's the story with his approval ratings now: Ehud Olmert has received some of the most rock-bottom ratings of all time:(IsraelNN.com) The low levels of approval for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert have broken the national record, according to Dr. Asher Cohen of Bar Ilan University. While other Prime Ministers such as Ehud Barak and Binyamin Netanyahu have also faced public disapproval, their ratings never sunk as low as the recent three percent given to Olmert.Cohen explained that the exceptionally low ratings may be due to a larger phenomenon. Party loyalty in Israel is decreasing, he said, and Olmert’s Kadima party in particular lacks a strong voter base due to its newness and lack of an ideological platform. Voters have no history of support for Olmert or Kadima, and thus will not hesitate to abandon them when mistakes are made, according to Cohen.He's bound to descend into the depths of history as one of the most unpopular politicians of all time.

And he's about to pay for his contempt by receiving more embarrassment:(IsraelNN.com) State Comptroller and Ombudsman Micha Lindenstrauss is gearing up to publish the initial findings of his investigation into the Home Front situation during last summer’s war against Hizbullah, in spite of fierce resistance from the office of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert after he refused to appear at committee hearings.Lindenstrauss is preparing a report on the state of the home front during the war against Hizbullah, while the Winograd Commission prepares its report on the mismanagement of the war itself.Unlike Defense Minister Amir Peretz and other senior officials, Olmert did not appear in person for his questioning and asked for an extra month to prepare written responses. The report, said Knesset member Zevulun Orlev, chairman of the Knesset’s State Control Committee, had been held up more than four months “due to the Prime Minister’s failure to cooperate.”The National Union / National Re

Good afternoon. Palestinian President Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Olmert and I met today here in Jerusalem. It was a useful and productive meeting.All three of us affirmed our commitment to a two-state solution, agreed that a Palestinian state cannot be born of violence and terror, and reiterated our acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the Roadmap.The President and the Prime Minister discussed how to move forward on mutual obligations in the Roadmap in regard to the implementation of Phase I.We called for respecting the ceasefire declared in November.The President and the Prime Minister also discussed issues arising from the agreement for the formation of a Palestinian national unity government, and the position of the Quartet that any Palestinian Authority government must be committed to non-violence, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including regarding the Roadmap.The President and the Prime Minister discussed