The Prime Minister's Office legal advisor, Shlomit Barnea Farago, has written a letter to the watchdog organization Ometz stating that despite all the speculation in the press, Haim Ramon is not a candidate to return to the cabinet.

Ometz chairman Aryeh Avneri had objected to Ramon receiving an appointment in light of his conviction for indecent behavior. Barnea Farago wrote in response that the appointment is not on the agenda at this time.

Ometz also appealed to Attorney General Menahem Mazuz, requesting that Olmert appoint someone else in his stead as acting finance minister in place of Abraham Hirchson, who took a three-month leave of absence.