JERUSALEM (AP) — Police yesterday questioned Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in an investigation of campaign donations by a U.S. citizen — the fifth high-profile probe involving the Israeli leader whose popularity has suffered because of the repeated charges of corruption.
Mr. Olmert’s office predicted he would weather the latest storm, but it threatened to further weaken his hold on power and potentially derail peace talks with Palestinians.
With a court-imposed gag order limiting information about the investigation, it wasn’t clear what allegations police are looking into, but Israeli law restricts how much politicians can get from donors. Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s son, Omri, is in jail for receiving donations that far exceeded the ceiling.
Mr. Olmert was questioned under caution, indicating police thought their interrogation could result in an indictment. If Mr. Olmert is indicted, he would have to resign. A decision on formal charges is at least months away.
Investigators arrived at Mr. Olmert’s official residence in Jerusalem at midmorning and questioned him for 90 minutes, police said. They would not disclose further information, citing the gag order.
Mr. Olmert’s office said the questions dealt with donations raised by an American citizen between 1999 and 2002, before Mr. Olmert became prime minister.
The money was meant to finance elections for the mayorship of Jerusalem and primaries in Mr. Olmert’s former political party, Likud, the office said.
Mr. Olmert, a former Jerusalem mayor, was elected prime minister two years ago and heads another party, Kadima.
“The prime minister answered all of the investigators’ questions on the subject, and will continue to cooperate with all legal authorities to the extent he is required to do so,” according to Mr. Olmert’s office.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.