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Last update - 02:18 10/05/2008 Olmert probe stirs resignation calls; Labor: We'll remain in gov't By Haaretz Service and The Associated Press Tags: police, Ehud Olmert  Lawmakers from across the political spectrum called Thursday for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's resignation, and fresh elections, moments after it emerged that Olmert is suspected of illegally receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from an American businessman and fundraiser. Labor Party officials said Friday that the faction would remain in Olmert's coalition government until a court ruling is made in the case. Earlier, Labor Party whip MK Eitan Cabel has said his faction would have to reconsider its continuation in the coalition in light of the probe. Advertisement Also Friday, a group of rightist rabbis known as the Rabbinical Council for the Rescue of Israel on Thursday called the latest investigations against Olmert punishment for implementing the 2005 disengagement from the Gaza Strip. "The land of Israel avenges anyone who tries to destroy it. This is further proof that there is justice and then there is the judge," they said. Some Kadima members said it would be difficult for them to stand behind the prime minister considering the gravity of the allegations, but no official response has been released yet from party officials. Yoel Hasson, a Kadima MK, said, "I certainly accept his version of events... You don't topple and replace governments or prime ministers because of allegations and investigations," Hasson said. Meanwhile, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said his government was following developments in the probe very carefully. A senior Palestinian official told Haaretz on Tuesday that "as of now there is no Israeli partner for talks on a final status agreements in light of the continuing investigation against [Prime Minister Ehud] Olmert." On Thursday, Likud MK Gideon Sa'ar said: "Olmert is unworthy and cannot continue to be prime minister... The Kadima government is up to their necks in investigations of corruptions and is failing to run the state properly." Sa'ar demanded that elections be held, so that the people can "choose a different leadership." MK Arieh Eldad (National Union-National Religious Party) called on the prime minister to resign. "Israel cannot afford to be led by officials who accept bribes. Moreover, Israel cannot afford to have these leaders take the country on questionable diplomatic adventures in order to escape punishment". Meretz MK Zehava Gal-on also called on Olmert to resign. "As usual, Olmert continues to skirt responsibility and put the guilt on others," Gal-On said, referring to the prime minister's statement that his close associate, Uri Messer, was the one who handled his political finances. "Until today," Gal-On added, "Olmert has failed every moral test. Therefore, today it is Barak and Kadima that are being tested. If they allow him to remain at his post, they will become partners in his destruction of the political norms and values of Israeli democracy. Labor MK Sheli Yachimovich, the only coalition member to react to the investigation Thursday, said that "if Olmert has one shred of integrity remaining, he will resign immediately." Related articles: Olmert suspected of accepting illicit funds from U.S. businessman ANALYSIS / The PM seems crushed in face of allegations BACKGROUND / Olmert's financier, a fundraiser who prefers to avoid the limelight Bookmark to del.icio.us   Stronger than its ills The 60th anniversary celebrations are accompanied by a bad taste. Rise in racism Israeli Arabs say institutionalized racism has increased.   1.   Is Mazuz a dictator? - Call to resign unfair 07:33  |  Binyamin DIssen 09/05/08   2.   The usual,,, these days,,, 08:19  |  Esther 09/05/08   3.   Disgusting MKs.. 08:53  |  Ulf 09/05/08   4.   Olmert`s PUNISHMENT has finlly come 09:35  |  Natasha 09/05/08   5.   olmert is a righteous and good man 11:53  |  eli 09/05/08   6.   did you see the show he put on yesterday? 12:16  |  Dror 09/05/08   7.   Special interests for wanting Olmert to stay 12:24  |  Dror 09/05/08   8.   Esther #2 Bush skipped it (saying all) and Zaken kept mum. 12:35  |  S 09/05/08   9.   "until a court ruling is made" - after the trial ? 14:24  |  redmike 09/05/08   10.   #1 you work for the PMO? Olmert said he`ll resign if indicted ! 14:27  |  redmike 09/05/08   11.   In a Parlamentarian system the president can dissolve the gov. 14:45  |  AliciaYasmeen 09/05/08   12.   response to number 1 Binyamin 14:55  |  Shepherd 09/05/08   13.   response to number 5 Eli 14:59  |  Shepherd 09/05/08   14.   Labor 15:10  |  Ralph 09/05/08   15.   Ah, there rightist rabbis... 15:50  |  Esther 09/05/08   16.   olmert probe 15:55  |  Jossi 09/05/08   17.   Hey Olmert.So, you didn`t listen to me? There are no free lunches 17:13  |  God 09/05/08   18.   7Dror, suggestions for new leadership... 17:18  |  bat yam 09/05/08   19.   #4 Natasha. Olmert may flee to New York to escape justice. 02:22  |  Chaim 10/05/08   20.   Re S #8...and the nattering nabobs... 09:48  |  Esther 10/05/08   21.   For Dror... 10:14  |  Esther 10/05/08   22.   Esther #20 We are indeed in the dark but only about its extent 12:50  |  S 10/05/08   23.   To Shepherd 12 - When will Olmert have the decency 17:33  |  Dagma 10/05/08   24.   With all the Alegations against Olmert.... 19:44  |  The Pathfinder 10/05/08   25.   To Chaim # 19 - What if Olmert does flee... 20:04  |  Natasha 10/05/08

Read & React Hezbollah fighters start withdrawing from Beirut Responses: 553 British PM: Israel`s creation one of 20th century`s `greatest achievements` Responses: 303 Ahmadinejad: Israel is a 'stinking corpse' doomed to disappear Responses: 329 Key witness 'fears Olmert may seek to harm him' Responses: 96 Jews bend over backward to stay neutral in U.S. vote Responses: 117 Jerome Segal: Through tough love, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be ended Responses: 128 Rosner's Domain Obama and the Jews: is 61% enough? Who's pushing the US to war with Iran? (WTR) Poll: If Olmert is gone, who should be PM? What Muslims really think? (WTR) The Democrats are fighting over Iran More Headlines 19:21 Hezbollah fighters start withdrawing from Beirut 19:19 At least 17 Qassams hit Negev Saturday, lightly hurting five 19:47 Lebanon prime minister accuses Hezbollah of staging coup 07:17 Key witness 'fears Olmert may seek to harm him' 17:41 Palestinians: Gaza power plant closing due to diesel shortage 22:24 Rabbi testifies in support of Hamas-linked imam facing U.S. ban 14:01 Palestinians: Gaza-Egypt border opens temporarily 07:32 ANALYSIS / Olmert probe shows the media really is the message 02:18 Olmert probe stirs resignation calls; Labor: We'll remain in gov't 19:50 Hunt for kosher chicken causes headache for Apprentice 'Jewish' contestant Previous Editions Select Day 09 may 08 may 07 may 06 may 05 may 04 may 02 may 01 may 30 apr 29 apr 28 apr 27 apr

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