Bribery allegations may end Olmert's reign

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By Stan Goodenough
May 09, 2008

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said late Thursday he would resign if indicted on charges he illegally accepted substantial quantities of cash amounting to bribery from a number of people, including a wealthy American Jew.

While he admitted receiving money from Morris Talansky, Olmert insisted they were legitimate funds for elections purposes, and that "not one cent" had been spent personally.

Nonetheless, he stated unequivocally that "if the Attorney General decides to file charges against me, I will resign."

The Israeli leader's statement, made to the media in his official Jerusalem residence, comes after days of rumbling and speculation generated by a court-imposed gag-order on the details of the case.

Attorney-General Menem Mazuz decided the allegations against Olmert could be publicized in Israel after a US newspaper printed the details, effectively rendering the court order futile.

The prime minister is being investigated about receiving bribes from one or more people during his terms as Jerusalem mayor and as a minister in the government of Ariel Sharon.

Those suspected of giving him large amounts of money include Talansky, who earlier this week was reportedly questioned by Israeli police while visiting Jerusalem.

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