Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said that he will resign from his position as leader after his party’s leadership contest in September. This announcement comes after it was revealed that Olmert is facing involvement in a corruption investigation in Israel.
“I was forced to defend myself against relentless attacks from self-appointed fighters for justice who sought to depose me from my position, when the ends sanctified all the means,”said Olmert, during the speech in which he announced his resignation.
Despite the fact that Olmert’s term in office was originally set to end in 2010, he has announced that he will quit on September 17.
Gordon Johndroe, White House spokesperson, commented on the resignation. “He [George W. Bush] wishes him well and will continue to work closely with him [Olmert] while he remains prime minister,” he said. He continued by saying that Olmert and Bush “have been exceptionally close and cooperative.”
Riyad al-Maliki, the Palestinian foreign minister, also reacted to the resignation. “It’s true that Olmert was enthusiastic about the peace process and he spoke about this process with great attention, but it has not achieved any progress or breakthrough,”he said. His comments were in reference to Olmert’s recent efforts to advance the negotiations on achieving peace in the Middle East.
A spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that Olmert’s resignation is a “internal affair,” and that “the Palestinian Authority deals with the prime minister of Israel, regardless if he is Olmert or somebody else.”
Olmert has stated that he would work towards peace “as long as I am in my position.” “I continue to believe wholeheartedly that reaching peace, ending terrorism, strengthening security and establishing a different relationship with our neighbors are the most vital goals for the future of the state of Israel,” Olmert said. However, Olmert’s political weakness and the turmoil his resignation has caused may undo any progress in the Palestinian and Syrian peace talks, as well as slowing in other future discussions.
BRIEF
In his resignation speech, Olmert addressed the cases of corruption of which he is being accused, saying he is “proud to be a citizen of a country in which a prime minister can be investigated like any other citizen,” but also stated he “was forced to defend [himself] from ceaseless attacks by the self-appointed soldiers of justice, who sought to oust [him] from [his] position.” The move has been interpreted as signaling the end of Olmert’s political career.
According to Israeli law, whoever is elected as Kadima party leader will be required to form a new government, by forming a majority coalition in the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, and then get its approval vote. The new government will then replace Olmert’s cabinet, remaining in power until the next scheduled general elections, to be held in 2010. If the new government is unable to obtain the approval of the Knesset, early general elections will be held, probably in early 2009; in this case, Olmert will remain in power until after the elections.
Reactions
Many politicians across the political spectrum praised Olmert’s decision to resign. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni (Kadima) said “the personal decision was not simple, but it was correct. Kadima must continue to act in a way that will preserve its unity and ability to lead.” Defense Minister and Labor party leader Ehud Barak called Olmert’s announcement “a proper and responsible decision made at the right time.”
Opposition leaders called for the resignation to be followed by general elections. Likud party leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, called for snap elections: “It doesn’t matter who heads Kadima. They are all partners in this government’s total failure. National responsibility requires a return to the people and new elections.”
