Labor MK: Reconsider partnership with PM
It is doubtful that Olmert can maintain his post due to the multiple investigations against him, Knesset Member Ophir Pines-Paz says in response to attorney general's decision to launch two more criminal probes against prime minister
"There have never been four simultaneous police investigations against a public figure in Israel," Pines noted, adding that he would demand that the Labor faction convene to discuss the future of its partnership with Olmert.
"The investigations department is forces to continuously probe Kadima's backyard," Pines added. "It's no wonder that OImert organized a campaign to postpone his investigations. It is doubtful that the prime minister can maintain his post due to the multiple investigations against him."
MK Shelly Yacimovich (Labor) also called on her party to consider leaving the coalition in light of the investigations.
"The moment in which the Labor Party will not be able to serve as a cover in Olmert's corruption affairs is near, and we must seriously consider quitting the government."
Yacimovich welcomed Mazuz's "brave decision" and called on the prime minister to apologize to State Prosecutor Micha Linderstrauss for the "baseless accusations" he directed at him.
"The most interrogated prime minister in the history of the State of Israel, with the lowest public support in the State's history, cannot negotiate on the fate of Jerusalem and the Judea and Samaria," said Likud faction chairman, MK Gideon Sa'ar.
"I doubt if he will be able to continue running the State's affairs while facing criminal investigations on four different affairs," Sa'ar added.
'PM must suspend himself immediately'
MK Arieh Eldad (National Union-National Religious Party) said in response to Mazuz's decision, "The Investment Center case is the most serious case Olmert is involved in. according to legal experts, his chances to come out clean from this investigation are slim.
"The State of Israel deserves a full-time prime minister and not a public figure busy surviving. Even if he flees to Annapolis, Olmert will not escape trial in Israel. He must suspend himself immediately."
MK Zevulun Orlev (NU-NRP), chairman of the Knesset's State Control Committee, added, "Olmert should have suspended himself the moment the first criminal investigation against him was launched, instead of seizing the horns of the altar and taking care of himself at the expense of the State's citizens."
According to MK Zahava Gal-On (Meretz), the prime minister cannot continue making crucial decisions concerning the State's interests and future.
