By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Early elections appear inevitable in light of the corruption probe currently hanging over Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Thursday in a meeting with his Labor Party ministers.
“For the sake of political stability, an alternate government must be established and headed by one of the members of Kadima, but it is very likely that there will be elections sometime during the coming year,” Barak, Labor Party chairman, was quoted by local daily Ha’aretz as saying.
During Thursday’s meeting, which revolved around Barak’s Wednesday press conference and its implications on Olmert’s coalition, the Labor ministers voiced their support for Barak’s call, Ha’aretz said.
Barak Wednesday called on Olmert to temporarily step aside over corruption allegations or resign at a press conference in Jerusalem.
Out of consideration for the good of Israel and the accepted norms, Olmert must detach himself from the day-to-day leadership of the Jewish state, noted Barak.
The defense minister warned that if Olmert does not quit, Labor Party will move towards early elections.
In response to Barak’s call, Olmert said Wednesday evening that he will continue to function as prime minister and will not step down despite ongoing bribery investigation against him.
Earlier on Wednesday, Olmert discussed with a senior member of his centrist Kadima Party over Jewish American businessman Morris Talansky’s deposition.
Talansky told a preliminary hearing at Jerusalem District Court on Tuesday that he gave Olmert envelopes of his own cash amounting to no less than 150,000 U.S. dollars over a period of 15 years.
The testimony is part of an investigation into Olmert, who is suspected of illegally receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from Talansky.
Olmert said it is inconceivable that a prime minister will be condemned based on a single testimony, adding that he will issue a statement in the next few days.
“I have plenty to say and I have kept quiet because of the investigation … I will not do anything to harm the party,” he added.
Olmert has said he would resign if indicted, but State Prosecutor Moshe Lador said it is too early to say if an indictment will be issued, and a decision is to be made only after completion of police investigations.