New legal woes raise questions on Olmert's future

An intensive new criminal investigation into Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's affairs has Israeli commentators questioning his political prospects at a crucial point in US-led peacemaking with the Palestinians.

Olmert was interrogated at short notice by police last week over fresh allegations barred from publication under a court gagging order.

Several pundits who have knowledge of the case believe Olmert could face pressure to step down on the eve of a visit by US President George W. Bush to promote negotiations designed to yield a deal on Palestinian statehood by year's end.