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October 12, 2008 7:46:40 AM CDT

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Barak Calls for Olmert to Quit

Posted May 28, 08 6:41 AM CDT in World 

(Newser) – Israel's defense minister told Ehud Olmert to take a leave of absence or step down while he battles corruption charges, reports the BBC, and threatened to leave the country's governing coalition if he refused. "The prime minister needs to disconnect himself from the day-to-day management of the government," said Ehud Barak. A US businessman testified yesterday that he gave $150,000 in contributions to Olmert in the last 15 years, the Guardian reports.

Morris Talansky said some of the money went to luxuries such as expensive hotels, and that he had been “disturbed” Olmert wanted cash. Talansky said the money was simply a contribution to Olmert, and that he never gained from any favors. He said he believed Olmert could reach out to the US Jewish community. "That's why I overlooked a lot of things," Talansky said. "Maybe I shouldn't have."

Sources: BBC, CNN, Guardian (UK)

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In this photo released by the Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, left, is seen during a visit to the Israeli navy in the northern port city of Haifa, Tuesday, May 27, 2008.   (AP Photo/GPO, Moshe Milner, HO)
American businessman Morris Talansky, center, arrives at the District court in Jerusalem Tuesday, May 27, 2008.   (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)
American businessman Morris Talansky, center, leaves the District court in Jerusalem, Tuesday, May 27, 2008.   (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, right, shakes hands with Egypt's intelligence chief Omar Suleiman, left, during a meeting in Tel Aviv, Monday, May 12, 2008. Omar Suleiman's meetings with Israeli...   (AP Photo/Jack Guez, Pool)
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert raises his glass next to Defense Minister Ehud Barak, right, as they toast during the annual Independence Day event at the President's residence in Jerusalem, Thursday,...   (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, center is greeted by supporters as he arrives to make a victory speech at Labor Party headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, June 13, 2007.   (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, right, speaks with Defense Minister Ehud Barak, left, during a cabinet meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem Wednesday, July 4, 2007.   (AP Photo/Menahem Kahana, Pool)
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, right, speaks with Defense Minister Ehud Barak, left, during a cabinet meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem Wednesday, July 4, 2007.   (AP Photo)
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Israel  • Ehud Olmert  • corruption  • donation  • Ehud Barak  • Morris Talansky


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