Peretz associates: PM's Office corrupt
Defense minister's associates respond to report Olmert has decided to dismiss him, accuse PMO of creating spin aimed at drawing attention away from corruption PM is involved in
Very close associates of Peretz said Thursday night that "this all seems like a spin aimed at drawing attention away from the corruption in Olmert's Office. We're convinced Olmert knows that moving one brick will topple the wall."
The Prime Minister's Office said Thursday evening that "contrary to reports, the prime minister did not decide to dismiss the defense minister or transfer him to another post."
"The subject is not on the agenda," officials said.
However, despite the refutation, sources close to Olmert said that "one can never tell what will happen in two weeks or more. At the moment there is no decision to dismiss the defense minister, but the relations between the two are very difficult."
"It's possible that in the future the prime minister will make a different decision, perhaps not. At any rate, the state of the relations between the two leaders should be kept in mind," an official added.
Most senior members of the Labor Party estimated Thursday that the report was leaked as a spin.
Faction Chairman Yoram Marciano said, "The news item that was published is another ugly spin from Olmert's media advisors who are trying to draw attention away from the corruption they are involved in."
Labor Party Minister Eitan Cabel also responded, saying, "The Labor Party won't allow the ousting of any of its ministers, even if there are differences of opinion within the party about the primaries."
