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Olmert's advisers split on strategy amid corruption probes By Barak Ravid Tags: corruption, olmert Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's advisers are split over what he should do in the corruption investigations against him. Some believe he should keep asserting his innocence and quit only if indicted, others say he shouldn't run in the Kadima primaries but should leave with as much dignity as possible. The first group cites precedents, mainly the one set by Ariel Sharon, who was ultimately not indicted for any of the suspicions against him and managed to rehabilitate his political and public status. Aides in this group are reportedly urging Olmert not to give in if he believes in his innocence. "Keep working. You have undertaken to do things - peace with Syria, peace with the Palestinians. If you're indicted, then resign," one aide reportedly told him. Advertisement The second group is urging Olmert to announce that he won't run in the party primaries, thus halting at least some of the confusion. They argue that the present situation is damaging Olmert and making him look pathetic. "Even if he did resign, things won't change basically," one of them said. "The problem is the system. The same thing will be done to [opposition leader Benjamin] Netanayhu and even to [Foreign Minister] Tzipi Livni. It won't change." Before Morris Talansky's cross-examination in the so-called cash-envelopes affair, an air of depression prevailed in Olmert's bureau. When the "double-billing scandal" erupted the shock was even greater. The tension rose as Talansky's cross-examination approached. Olmert's aides feared that it would not provide the solace they hoped for. Afterward, however, the mood changed. Olmert managed to improve the melancholy feeling in his bureau, but the uncertainty remained. "Maybe in a month all this will be over," a close associate said. Despite the uncertainty, Olmert's men remain loyal to him. Some thought of leaving a few months ago, but they are staying on because of their good relations with Olmert. "[Labor leader Ehud Barak] treats his aides contemptuously, signaling to them like when you call a cat," an aide said. Bookmark to del.icio.us   West Bank drought Palestinian Water Authority calls on Israel to rethink its water policies. Death of an artist Egyptian filmmaker's controversial work earned him international recognition.   1.   Things won`t change????? 06:02  |  fred 27/07/08   2.   This is why Olmert gets very bad advice 06:16  |  Kipperraes 27/07/08   3.   Olmert doesn`t "believe in his innocence". 07:55  |  redmike 27/07/08   4.   #1 - there are degrees of corruption ... 08:00  |  redmike 27/07/08   5.   Strategy and Spin. Ask Nixon advisors. 09:44  |  Stephen. 27/07/08   6.   So it all boils down to strategy.... 12:18  |  Esther 27/07/08   7.   # 3 to redmike re: "guilt" [2nd try] 14:12  |  eric 27/07/08

Read & React Tensions high in Gaza as Hamas cracks down on rival groups Responses: 234 Israeli troops kill Hamas man behind Dimona terror attack Responses: 112 IDF officers: Yeshiva teachers incite W. Bank teens to violence Responses: 88 Report: Rabbis slam removal, publication of note Obama left in Western Wall cracks Responses: 65 Aluf Benn: 'Hamastan' is prototyope for future Palestinian state Responses: 54 More Headlines 02:44 Israel finally agrees to move separation fence at Bil'in 01:02 Pentagon chief: War with Iran 'disastrous on number of levels' 02:47 15 people killed, 154 hurt in twin explosions in Istanbul 02:54 Israel mulls acquiring U.S. anti-rocket system to protect Sderot 02:13 Rice presses Israel, PA to agree on document ahead of UN meet 02:39 Sans porn, Hasidim introduced to world of 'kosher Internet' 22:36 High Court slams gov't for shunning ruling on funding for yeshivas 15:53 Shin Bet chief: Hezbollah deal may spur abductions 00:06 Police: Olmert to be questioned numerous times in corruption probes 20:43 Iran eyes seat on UN Security Council as Asia representative 22:20 West Bank residents face severe water shortage as drought continues 23:13 VIDEO / MK Lieberman: Either charge me for corruption or drop case Previous Editions Select Day 27 jul 25 jul 24 jul 23 jul 22 jul 21 jul 20 jul 18 jul 17 jul 16 jul 15 jul 14 jul

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