Israeli Prime Minister formally resigns!
JERUSALEM, Israel - September 21, 2008 - Israel's
scandal-tainted Prime Minister Ehud Olmert resigned on Sunday, local television
reported, setting the stage for more weeks of political turmoil as the
horse-trading begins to form a new government.
Olmert submitted his resignation to President Shimon Peres, who now has a week to designate the party leader who will form the next government, the television said.
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who replaced Olmert as head of the centrist Kadima party in a leadership vote on Wednesday, is hoping to become only the second woman prime minister in the nation's history.
"I have decided to end my functions as prime minister of the government of Israel," Olmert, who has been in power for 31 months, told a cabinet meeting earlier on Sunday.
"I hope that Tzipi Livni will succeed in forming a national government with the composition she wants," Olmert said. "I will help her with all my strength."
Olmert's move initiates what could be a months-long process to form a new government, casting a shadow over peace talks with the Palestinians and further denting hopes of a deal by the end of this year.
The 62-year-old, who is likely to stay on as interim premier, had said on July 30 that he would step down once his party chose a new leader to battle a swathe of corruption allegations. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Ed. Note: They always deny any wrongdoing. We are well to be rid of this Israeli terrorist.
