WORLD> Middle East
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WORLD> Middle East
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Israeli leader to resign 'immediately' after vote
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-09-12 10:07 Opponents have already complained that the lame-duck Olmert has no authority to be negotiating such sensitive issues as he prepares to leave office, particularly in the circumstances surrounding his departure. "There are no restrictions legally, but political and public pressure can prevent the government from functioning practically. Olmert knows this very well," said Avraham Diskin, a political scientist at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. In his Thursday speech, Olmert defended his negotiations with the Palestinians and Syria. He also said he would press for release of Sgt. Gilad Schalit, a soldier captured by Hamas-linked gunmen in Gaza more than two years ago. "Gilad is alive, and Hamas holds responsibility for his fate," Olmert said. "If a single hair falls from his head, Hamas will pay the full price." Talks mediated by Egypt have so far failed to produce an exchange. Israel has put together a list of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners it is prepared to release for the soldier. For months, police have been investigating a string of corruption cases involving Olmert. In one, Olmert is suspected of improperly accepting cash and fancy gifts from a US supporter. In another, he is suspected of submitting multiple bills for trips abroad, pocketing the difference or financing trips for relatives. All the cases date back to periods before Olmert became prime minister in 2006. Olmert, who says he is innocent, has not been charged, though police investigators this week formally recommended he be indicted on bribery, breach of trust and money- laundering charges. If elected, Livni, who hopes to become Israel's first female prime minister in four decades, is expected to push forward with the peace talks she has been leading. Mofaz, meanwhile, is expected to take a tougher line, particularly on the sensitive issue of Jerusalem. Mofaz opposes sharing control of the city, whose eastern sector the Palestinians claim as a future capital. Opinion polls give Livni a double-digit lead over Mofaz. But because the number of Kadima voters is relatively small, the results could shift in Mofaz's favor if his campaign musters a large supporter turnout. Amira Dotan, a Kadima lawmaker, said she expects the party to rally behind its next leader, and that whoever wins will have no choice but to continue the peace efforts. She said Israel's place in the world, and its relations with the international community, require it to reach a settlement with the Palestinians. "Everybody knows that there will be two states. The question is how we get there," she said. |
