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Olmert Announces Resignation

He may remain as 'caretaker' PM for weeks or months

By Mary Papenfuss, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 21, 2008 6:26 AM CDT

(Newser) – Scandal-plagued Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced today that he will step down. "This was not an easy decision," he said. Olmert, who faces criminal corruption charges, must now submit his resignation to President Shimon Peres, but he may remain as a caretaker prime minister for weeks or even months as a new government is formed, Reuters reports. Olmert's likely successor will be Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who has replaced him as Kadima party leader.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert with his likely successor, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni (left). (AP Photo)

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni arrives at the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008. Israel's corruption-tainted prime minister, Ehud Olmert, told his Cabinet on Sunday that... (AP Photo)

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Olmert Announces Resignation

He may remain as 'caretaker' PM for weeks or months

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Ex-Israeli PM convinced in court he'll 'be able to prove his innocence once and for all'

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Olmert Announces Resignation

He may remain as 'caretaker' PM for weeks or months

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Israel • Ehud Olmert • Tzipi Livni • Olmert • corruption charges

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Israel's Ehud Olmert Indicted on Bribery Charges

Counts date back to time as mayor of Jerusalem

Here's Obama's Real Motive in Israel

He's pressuring Netanyahu to move toward Tzipi Livni

Netanyahu Asks Rival Livni to Join Government

Move could boost peace talks with Palestinians

UK Issues War Crimes Warrant for Israeli...

...but takes it back when it turns out that Tzipi Livni isn't visiting

Olmert Charged With Corruption

Ex-Israeli PM convinced in court he'll 'be able to prove his innocence once and for all'

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?