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Laborites: Suspicions against Olmert could spell PM's exit By Mazal Mualem Tags: Labor Party, Menachem Mazuz  Senior members of Labor on Saturday said it looked like the beginning of the end for Olmert's government, following Olmert's questioning by police Friday and the split last week in the Pensioners Party, a member of Kadima's coalition. Senior Kadima members said their party had only begun to revive in the polls after the Winograd report, and the latest events were blows. "Either it's really serious, or [Attorney General Menachem] Mazuz will have to explain how a prime minister was almost arrested on Friday," a senior Kadima party member said. However, fellow faction member MK Yoel Hasson said, "Past experience shows that all the investigations against prime ministers begin with a big noise and end with nothing. The political system should stop being hysterical and making hasty political use [of it] that could undermine the stability of the government." Advertisement Sources close to Olmert said he was continuing with business as usual, meeting U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Saturday and planning to attend this morning's cabinet meeting. Senior Labor figures said that even if Olmert was forced to step down, moving elections up might not be the right thing to do. They added that an alternative government headed by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni might be better for Labor. MK Amir Peretz (Labor) said, "We must leave the work to those dealing with it, and politicians should keep quiet about it." Peretz was critical of Labor's chairman, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who he said had held consultations to decide how to respond to the investigation. Barak on Saturday called reports of such consultations "gossip and rumors." MK Ophir Pines (Labor) called on Mazuz to quickly release the information on the suspicions against Olmert. Likud faction head MK Gideon Sa'ar said "Olmert is the most investigated prime minister in Israel's history, who heads the government with the most criminal affairs among its members in history." Sa'ar said Olmert's government was surviving thanks to Labor. MK Silvan Shalom (Likud) said he had begun discussions with Knesset factions to obtain a majority on his bill to disperse the Knesset with the opening of the summer session. MK Zahava Gal-On (Meretz) called on Mazuz to instruct Olmert to resign until the investigation is complete. Related articles: Rice to pressure Israel on West Bank roadblocks Palestinian forces en route to Jenin for large-scale security op 2 children, 1 senior citizen die in separate fires across Israel Bookmark to del.icio.us   Under probe Olmert stays focused on work despite new allegations. Taxi Hamas Hamas police cars serve as taxis in fuel-starved Gaza.   1.   And how would they enjoy 02:48  |  Mark Lincoln 04/05/08   2.   Time for New Election 06:44  |  Brod 04/05/08   3.   Olmert Step down? He may call Martial Law, first 08:06  |  dov epstein 04/05/08   4.   Labor party really out of touch 11:20  |  Dror 04/05/08   5.   Across the World 11:59  |  guy 04/05/08

Read & React FM: Israel has no hidden agenda for settlements Responses: 184 Gideon Levy: Why not have a siren for the Naqba on Israel's Independence Day? Responses: 181 ANALYSIS: Is this where it all ends for Ehud Olmert? Responses: 65 Olmert: I'll keep doing my job despite 'vicious rumors' Responses: 66 Report: Hezbollah can intercept all calls in Lebanon thanks to Iranian network Responses: 101 More Headlines 00:04 Israeli tourist, 22, found dead in southern Peru 22:58 Mazuz hints details of Olmert probe to be released shortly 23:34 Livni: Israel has no hidden agenda for West Bank settlements 23:27 Obama: U.S. would defend Israel in attack, 'nuclear or otherwise' 22:59 Prominent California reverend apologizes for anti-Semitic jibe 21:44 Hirchson faces embezzlement charges, won't request immunity 23:30 Animal rights activists reveal their own (kosher) identity 23:18 Swiss FM disappointed her gov't not invited to Israel's anniversary 00:55 Judge rejects request for restraining order against gay partner 21:55 Gaydamak, former Pensioners set sights on cabinet seats 23:20 Israel spy chief said to host U.K. counterpart for talks on Iran 01:08 IDF charges three soldiers with assaulting Palestinian civilian Previous Editions Select Day 04 may 02 may 01 may 30 apr 29 apr 28 apr 27 apr 25 apr 24 apr 23 apr 22 apr 21 apr

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