Subscribe to Print Edition | Wed., May 07, 2008 Iyyar 2, 5768 | | Israel Time: 03:29 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Police on their way to interrogate Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Saturday (Daniel Bar On / Jini) Last update - 16:09 06/05/2008 Barak: Probe will not affect Olmert's political decisions By Mazal Mualem, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Israel, Police, Ehud Olmert  Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Tuesday asserted that the latest criminal probe into Prime Minister Ehud Olmert would not affect his political moves, as well stating that he hoped there was no foundation to suspicions against him. "We are all against corruption. I trust the law [enforcement] authorities and the police. I do not imagine that Olmert is influenced by the investigations carried out against him when he makes critical political decisions," the defense minister said. Olmert is currently the subject of a new criminal investigation, the details of which cannot be published due to a sweeping gag order placed Friday on the case. Advertisement Barak said Olmert consults with him and with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni when making political decisions. Meanwhile, Kadima Minister Yaakov Edri on Tuesday told Israel Radio that the investigation into the prime minister should be concluded as quickly as possible, and called for all uncertainties about it to be cleared up. According to Edri, minister for the development of the Negev and the Galilee, should Attorney General Menachem Mazuz decide to indict Olmert it will be necessary to examine all possibilities, in what may be taken as a hint at the need to find a new leader for Kadima. Edri also told Israel Radio that there have been probes into prime ministers in the past while political progress was made at the same time, and therefore there was no need to rush into new elections. Other leading Kadima figures started talking about their party's future Monday, four days after the latest probe into Olmert became known with speculation the suspicions against him would not allow him to remain in office. Most Kadima people still believe Olmert could survive even this crisis, but the incessant rumors had an effect. In private conversations people began talking about possible scenarios once the court-ordered gag on the probe has been lifted. "We don't have to crash with Olmert," a senior Kadima figure said Monday. "We won't let Olmert hold onto his post and destroy the party," said another. "He can be replaced by another candidate. Going to elections with Olmert in this state is suicide." If Olmert quits, the leading candidate to take his place and set up an alternative government is Livni, who is also acting prime minister. Livni is leading in the polls but is not likely to win the post without an internal party struggle. Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit is expected to be a contender and demand to hold immediate primaries for the prime minister's job. Sheetrit said during previous crises that primaries can be held swiftly. Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, who intends to run for the Kadima leadership, is also a potential candidate. Whoever replaces Olmert will be required to conduct new coalition negotiations, and it is not clear whether Barak, Labor's chair, would cooperate with Livni or prefer to go for early elections. Senior Labor sources say Barak now has another chance to quit after he decided to remain in the government when the final Winograd report was published. They said that until last Thursday Barak had been trapped in Olmert's government without a significant exit stop, but now he has a chance to make the choice. Barak will have to decide whether to support Livni as Olmert's successor, thus perhaps helping to build her up as the next prime minister. Shas isn't ruling Livni out in advance, but it is not likely that a party that objects to negotiating with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas would support Livni, who is leading the talks. If Olmert asks to be declared temporarily unable to continue, Livni will be appointed to replace him. At the same time talks to set a date for early elections are expected to begin. None of Kadima's senior ministers spoke up Monday in Olmert's support, not even his closest allies, Haim Ramon and Roni Bar-On. A call for Olmert's resignation was sounded from within Kadima. MK Marina Solodkin, who called on Olmert to resign after the Winograd report, said: "Olmert must quit and go home or at least suspend himself. Five probes is too much already. Olmert wrecked the party and Ariel Sharon's heritage. He can be replaced by another Kadima candidate." Olmert's position in the coalition is also beginning to look shaky. Over the weekend he lost three MKs from the Pensioners Party to Arcadi Gaydamak and Monday Shas threatened to quit, following reports of progress in the talks with the Palestinians. Related articles: Sources: PM probe clear-cut; decision on indictment in days Olmert: I'll keep doing my job despite malicious rumors Police call Ehud Olmert for urgent questioning Bookmark to del.icio.us   Raining on the parade World Likud chief calls for cancellation of Nakba Day procession. Perfect match TA court sentences 'DNA Rapist' to 25 years in prison.   1.   Gag? you must be joking 13:19  |  JW 06/05/08   2.   "We don`t have to crash with Olmert..." OH YES YOU WILL! 17:20  |  bat yam 06/05/08   3.   Tug of war sentimental, political interests versus law? 17:23  |  H.H.M 06/05/08   4.   rice 18:16  |  eli 06/05/08   5.   Any Israeli Politician Endorsing Road Map Perfidy 18:59  |  Joseph . E 06/05/08   6.   The probe will affect Olmerts toilet habit 20:21  |  Sal 06/05/08   7.   Olmert and Kadima 23:22  |  Joshua 06/05/08   8.   Is this guy the fool he seems? 02:27  |  Mark Lincoln 07/05/08

Read & React PA official: No Israeli partner in light of latest Olmert probe Responses: 114 Moshe Arens: Is Olmert pushing for peace at any price? Responses: 73 Daphna Golan: When will we listen to the Palestinians' suffering? Responses: 208 Soldier killed in Lebanon War 'finally promoted to rank of Jew' Responses: 102 Rosner's Domain Why progressives don't like Israel (WTR) Poll: If Olmert is gone, who should be PM? The Democrats are fighting over Iran Carter is helping Hamas achieve their strategic goal How people die in Gaza? (WTR) More Headlines 00:47 IDF Chief: 63 years after Holocaust state's existence still questioned 00:41 Police: Gag order on probe against Olmert losing significance 23:45 PA official: No Israeli partner in light of latest Olmert probe 02:22 ANALYSIS: Gag order on PM case against public interest 02:51 Security tightens in face of Independence Day terror alerts 00:28 Fifth alternative Memorial Day ceremony held in Jerusalem 01:52 Fox clothing chain, Bar Rafaeli to fight IDF draft-dodgers 01:29 Foreign Ministry sending first aid package to Myanmar 02:54 Sderot will celebrate Israel's 60th, in spite of everything 19:24 Court orders state to explain why citizenship law won't be reversed 00:52 Israel at 60: Population nears 7.3 million, 76% Jewish Previous Editions Select Day 06 may 05 may 04 may 02 may 01 may 30 apr 29 apr 28 apr 27 apr 25 apr 24 apr 23 apr

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