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Last update - 09:47 27/06/2008 Olmert associates on Kadima-Labor deal: Barak ran away like battered dog By Yossi Verter Tags: Kadima, Israel, Ehud Barak  The agreement between the prime minister and the defense minister that prevented a vote this week on dissolving the Knesset and advanced primaries in the Kadima Party neither calmed tempers nor soothed the tense relations between Ehud Olmert and Ehud Barak. On Wednesday, after the fact, Olmert's associates claimed that Labor Party chairman Barak initiated the compromise because he feared Olmert would fire him immediately, and that on Friday "the sun will be in the meridian, and he'll be a civilian." Barak, the prime minister's confidants added, "ran away like a battered dog." In conversations with several associates late this week, Olmert said he could work in concert with Barak, because of the serious issues on the agenda, and that he does not intend to settle scores with those who stabbed him in the back. Advertisement Olmert also said in those closed forums that he will not forget that while he was sitting with the French president and, the next day, with the Egyptian president, discussing the issues most critical things to Israel, several of his rivals were plotting against him. In preparation for the primaries in Kadima, slated to wrap up by September 25, Olmert is considering proposing an amendment to the party's charter that would make it easier for him to run, should he decide to do so. The amendment he is reviewing would make the winner of the number-two slot deputy chair of Kadima. In the event that the party chair is forced to quit the position of prime minister, the deputy would automatically become party chair and Kadima would not have to hold another primary election. What would this amendment mean for Olmert? He would essentially be saying to registered Kadima voters: I want to run, but I know my situation is problematic and I know that after I'm reelected, if I'm reelected, the State Prosecutor's Office might file an indictment against me - and then I'll have to resign. If that happens, you'll have nothing to worry about: The change of guard would be quick and clean, Kadima would not be harmed, it would not be caught unprepared. On the other hand, Olmert would also be saying, If I don't run, and after a month or two the prosecution decides to close the case against me it won't be fair to me. Therefore sources close to Olmert believe the proposed amendment might solve the problem - both for Olmert, who hinted in a Knesset speech Wednesday that he will run, and for his party. Related articles: How and why I resigned Olmert to opposition: You oppose the gov't because you're against peace Kadima sources: Olmert can't afford not to run in primary Bookmark to del.icio.us   Haniyeh's plea Hamas leader in Gaza says rocket fire must stop for sake of Palestinians. Softening position Shin Bet agrees to free prisoners 'with blood on their hands' for Shalit.   1.   Barak the useless. 04:34  |  Dudka 27/06/08   2.   Its a pity on the people in Israel 04:57  |  Rabbi Yakov Lazaros 27/06/08   3.   Olmert also runs away like battered dog 05:08  |  Genuine Tosefta 27/06/08   4.   If cowardly Olmert can do that to Barak,what will our enemies do? 05:25  |  Rueben 27/06/08   5.   Now that`s political prostitution at it`s best 05:33  |  Simon 27/06/08   6.   just like his retreat from Lebanon 05:52  |  Stupid Barak 27/06/08   7.   The bond between criminals signed by their crimes. 05:53  |  Akram Zekaria 27/06/08   8.   Olmert Livni and Labor are all leftist defeatists who must resign 06:21  |  HENRY MANN 27/06/08   9.   Olmert is beyond the pale 06:38  |  Cipora Julianna Kohn 27/06/08   10.   #7, Akram Zekaria 06:46  |  Cipora Julianna Kohn 27/06/08   11.   Crimes are commited with the approval of the supreme court 06:59  |  Simon 27/06/08   12.   Is Mel Brooks Following This? 07:03  |  Mark of Lewiston 27/06/08   13.   Olmert, it`s nice to see someone else following my lead! 07:16  |  Robert Mugabe 27/06/08   14.   Sounds like an accurate description 08:29  |  Johnboy 27/06/08   15.   Olmert and the DEVIL`S LUCK..... 08:39  |  Dagma 27/06/08   16.   The Machiavellian Way 08:53  |  Proud Israeli 27/06/08   17.   pr from the olmert camp 09:22  |  rm 27/06/08   18.   Barak ran away? 09:31  |  David Nigel Braham 27/06/08   19.   No Ehuds in power in Israel PLEASE! 10:26  |  Baruch Gold 27/06/08   20.   To Genuine Tosefta # 3 - Olmert DOES NOT run away 10:31  |  Dolly 27/06/08   21.   Its not often.... 11:02  |  27/06/08   22.   Now I understand 12:43  |  Mark Lincoln 27/06/08   23.   Barak got what he wanted: more time as DM. Olmert made a date 14:31  |  Realist 27/06/08   24.   Battered Kadima PR dogs... 14:49  |  Esther 27/06/08   25.   Barak will regret his decision regarding desslving 15:09  |  Haham Me Bat yam 27/06/08   26.   Did Anyone see Olmert pictured being dragged away 16:07  |  Natasha 27/06/08   27.   The two Ehuds, Barach & Oldmerd. 16:14  |  Wise Saba 27/06/08   28.   To 23 REALIST - Olmert to give up Power ??? 16:20  |  Dolly 27/06/08   29.   10# Cipora. I read your post and it means 16:51  |  Akram Zekaria 27/06/08   30.   "Hermit Caesar, Barak Brutus," Prima donnas."! 17:03  |  Stephen. 27/06/08   31.   Israel`s Bill Clinton 17:43  |  Bob 27/06/08   32.   Barak is a fool, This deal he made will cost him dearly 20:28  |  Shepherd 27/06/08   33.   Plotting against the Golan and parts of Jerusalem 22:52  |  Sarah 27/06/08   34.   To Shepherd # 32 - Agree Fully..... 07:37  |  Dagma 28/06/08

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