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• Ehud Olmert is the former Prime Minister of Israel. Olmert stepped down on April 1, 2009 when the new government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, took office.Los Angeles Times: In Israel, Netanyahu and super-sized Cabinet sworn in (April 1, 2009)

  Olmert took office in 2006 after Ariel Sharon suffered a stroke. Like his predecessor, Olmert was an open supporter of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, which faced criticism from both left (Labor Party) and right (Likud Party).U.S. News: Israel's Political Storm(June 6, 2007) On May 2, 2009, it was reported that Olmert would undergo surgery for prostate cancer in the U.S.Los Angeles Times: Former Israeli Prime Minister Olmert will undergo prostate (May 3, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. Born: September 30, 1945 in Binyamina, Israel
  2. 12th Prime Minister of Israel
  3. Served as prime minister from January 4, 2006 - April 1, 2009
  4. Preceded by: Ariel Sharon
  5. Succeeded by Benjamin Netanyahu
  6. Took office after Ariel Sharon suffered a stroke
  7. Degree in psychology and philosophy from Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  8. Supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian ConflictHaaretz.com: Two-state solution, or Israel is done for (November 29, 2007)

• Israel 2009 Election

  After Olmert announced his resignation in 2008, Tzipi Livni was chosen as the new leader of the Kadima party. Livni was to become the new prime minister, but failed to form a government coalition. Olmert remained prime minister until a new government could form. An election was held in February 2009. Neither Livni or Netanyahu gained the majority of the votes, and President Shimon Peres chose Netanyahu for prime minister because he had a better chance to form a coalition. Netanyahu formed a coalition with the Labor Party and three right-wing parties and took office on April 1, 2009.Los Angeles Times: In Israel, Netanyahu and super-sized Cabinet sworn in (April 1, 2009)

• Two-State Concession

  Olmert advocated the two-state solution at 2007's Annapolis Summit. He indicated that he would be willing to give portions of eastern Israel to a Palestinian state. It was the first time the two state solution had been accepted as a legitimate option by all parties involved in peace negotiations.

• Unhappy Home

  Olmert's openness to a two-state solution generated considerable criticism in Israel. Leaders of the Shas party threatened to leave Olmert's coalition if he continued with serious plans for the Division of Jerusalem.Israel News: Shas Upgrades Threates to Quit Government (May 12, 2008)

• Controversy and Popularity

  Olmert's approval ratings among Israelis took a precipitous dive after the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict, his handling of which was widely criticized.Reuters: Olmert struggling in Israeli opinion poll (November 24, 2008) In 2007 and 2008, his decline in popularity was cemented by allegations of bribery and financial impropriety, all of which he staunchly denied.BBC News: Ehud Olmert: Corruption allegations (September 17, 2008)

• Corruption Allegations

  Olmert is investigated for corruption during his time as industry, trade and labor minister. Israel's attorney general has also said Olmert will be indicted for corruption charges related to his time as prime minister, after allegations that he overbilled for trips abroad and used the extra money for himself or for trips for relatives.YNet: Olmert questioned for 12th time in corruption investigation (December 12, 2008)

• Related Pages on Mahalo

  Tzipi Livni | Morris Talansky | Olmert Corruption Charges | Israel-Lebanon Conflict | Israeli-Palestinian Conflict | Annapolis Summit News | Ariel Sharon | Shimon Peres | Mahmoud Abbas | Israel | Benjamin Netanyahu | Kadima | Israel Bomb Iran Request

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