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Olmert's Scandal |
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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, saying: "I have enough political issues to deal with here."
"Millions of shekels — cash in hand," screamed top-selling tabloid Maariv. All media splashed the story after police lifted a gag order imposed when Olmert was quizzed a week ago.
Yet Israelis have grown used to tales of corruption at the top and many noted that Olmert, who last year called himself "indestructible", has ridden out a series of other scandals.
At the heart of the scandal is an American philanthropist named Morris Talansky, who Israeli police may have connected with bribes and illegal donations to Olmert's campaigns. Via the New York Times, we learn that Talansky has been active for many years in both American and Israeli politics, donating to candidates on both sides of the aisle including Bill Clinton, Edward Kennedy, Rudy Giuliani, and George Bush. His involvement in Olmert's case is still unclear.
The story's international relevance has more to do with its impact on the Israeli/Palestinian peace process, of course, than it has to do with domestic scandals in Israel. Undoubtedly more details will surface soon, but already this seems like yet another indication that the peace talks will not reach a conclusion any time in the foreseeable future - and certainly not before the end of Bush's term.
