Olmert: I Will Continue With Israel State Issues, Not Political Rumors

By Israel News Agency Staff

Jerusalem ----- May 4, 2008 ....... Part of the following news report was communicated directly from the Israel Prime Minister's Office to the Israel News Agency.

The following remarks are from Israel Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s at the Israel Cabinet meeting held today in Jerusalem.

“Israel cabinet meetings usually deal with the current issues of the day and week. Our agenda today is a little different. We will discuss the strategic plan authored by Teva Chairman Eli Hurvitz, Sheldor Chairman Sammy Friedrich and former Israel Finance Ministry Director-General David Brodet. They are among the initiators of the idea for such a strategic plan. It must be said that this plan was not initiated by the Israel Government and I assume that at today's meeting, we will not make the decisions required by it. However, the time has come for the State of Israel to deal not only with daily issues but to make some sort of effort to form a worldview that we will act according to over time. I thank, in advance, the tea that prepared this plan for its effort, for the initiative and for the desire to share this initiative with the Government of Israel."

Prime Minister Olmert continued: "Wednesday will be Israel Remembrance Day for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel's Wars and for the victims of terrorism. This is the day on which the State of Israel, in accordance with the best of the tradition and heritage that make it unique, returns to being one large family. A silence like no other spreads over the entire country and the entire people of Israel are wrapped in memories, deep thoughts a sense of being eternally grateful to those who laid the foundations, who showed the way, who fought and who gave their lives so that the State of Israel might joyously celebrate its independence.

While this year's Israel 60th birthday celebrations have been organized according to a different format, it must be emphasized that most of the budget that has been allocated by the Israel Government in order to finance the 60th anniversary celebrations, which are being held under Israel Minister Ruhama Avraham-Balila's leadership, are budgets that have been designated for technical, educational and heritage issues. The funds for fireworks and such are a small and insignificant part of the significant educational activities that give special content to the way in which we conduct ourselves on this holiday.

Last Friday was very exciting for me. As you know, the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball team was victorious in a deeply exciting game that held our attention. This evening, I am convinced that even we ministers in Israel will find two hours away from our concerns in order to watch Maccabi Tel Aviv in a struggle that represents not only it as a team but the entire State of Israel's competitive and sporting spirit. On behalf of the Israel Government, I send greetings to the team, coach and club chairman.

You all know that last Wednesday, the Israel Police contacted me and asked to hold an hour-long investigation, within a short time. I responded immediately and made the time available. Last Friday, I met with Israel Police investigators for one hour. I answered all the questions I was asked and cooperated with the investigators, who, I must point out, acted in a respectable and proper fashion.

To my regret, for reasons that do not depend on me, Israel has been swept with a wave of rumors regarding the investigation. I am certain that when matters are made clear, with the permission of the proper authorities, matters will be presented in the correct proportion, in their right and exact context, and that this will put an end to the rumors. Until then, we have a national agenda. I have priorities as Prime Minister of Israel. I intend to uphold these priorities and continue to hold the meetings, carry out the responsibilities and do the things, that I must.

Yesterday evening, I met with US Secretary of State Dr. Condoleeza Rice, as part of our unceasing effort to hold diplomatic negotiations. Tomorrow, I will have lunch with Palestinian Authority Chairman Abu Mazen. In the morning, I will have breakfast with Dr. Rice. We will continue to deal with the issues on the Israel national agenda and see to matters of state."

The Israel Police investigation is under a gag order, but media reports say police suspect Olmert received bribes or illegal campaign contributions.

Olmert said the investigation has unleashed "a wave of rumors", which he described as "malicious and wicked." He said that when the facts become clear, they will lay the rumors to rest.

It is almost routine in Israel for oppostion parties to charge the current Prime Minister with wrong doing in order to create a power base for themselves.

Olmert has been the target of several scandals with regard to his conduct as Mayor of Jerusalem before he became prime minister of Israel in 2006. The allegations include bribery, fraud and breach of trust, but Olmert stoically denies any wrongdoing and has never been convicted.

The new police investigation highlights concerns that Olmert might be too weak to close a land-for-peace deal with the Palestinians. The scandal coincides with a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who is pushing for a peace agreement by the end of the year.

Olmert says he will continue to pursue peace with the Palestinians.

"I have an agenda as the prime minister of Israel," he said. "I intend to continue with this agenda and continue my job."