Olmert questioned for eighth time in corruption probes

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was questioned by police on Thursday for the eighth time since May on corruption allegations that led him to resign from office last month.

The interrogation, conducted at the PM's official residence, began at around 9 am and lasted a little over two hours. 

A few weeks ago, the police recommended that the 63-year-old Olmert be indicted on criminal charges in cases where he is accused of illegally accepting large sums of cash from US financier Morris Talansky and multiple-billing foreign trips.

Olmert has denied any wrongdoing.

Olmert's media advisor Amir Dan said that the PM refused to answer any of the investigators' questions regarding the multiple-billing allegations.

According to Dan, Olmert told them "just two weeks ago you recommended that I be indicted for a series of what you refereed to as severe offenses, and now you are opening the case again and asking questions?"

Dan said Olmert told the investigators he would answer their questions only after consulting with his attorney. 

'Further investigation required.' Police arrive at PM's residence (Photo: Gil Yohanan) 

As for the Investment Center scandal, police have yet to put forward a final recommendation, saying further investigation is required. Police suspect that during his tenure as industry, trade and labor minster Olmert secured benefits and grants worth tens of millions of dollars for the Silicate factory in Dimona, under the auspices of his ministry. The company was represented at the time by Uri Messer, Olmert's friend and former law partner.

The prime minister is also suspected of purchasing an apartment on Jerusalem's Cremieux Street for a reduced price during his tenure as industry, trade and labor minister in exchange for speeding up sales in the building project.

Olmert tendered his resignation on September 21 in the wake of a series of corruption allegations concerning financial dealings when he served as Jerusalem mayor and trade minister before assuming the premiership in 2006.

He will continue to serve as interim prime minister until Foreign Minister and newly elected Kadima Chairwoman Tzipi Livni forms a new governing coalition or the country holds snap elections - a period of political limbo that could last weeks or months. 

His resignation has dealt a major blow to already sluggish US-backed Israeli-Palestinian peace talks relaunched in November 2007, when the two sides vowed to try to reach a full peace deal by the end of 2008.

If Livni is unable to form a government in the coming weeks general elections would be held early next year, which polls indicate would give the right-wing Likud party the most seats in Israel's parliament.