Senior politicians rally behind Olmert's bid for early release
Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid among a number of senior politicians urging the courts to acquiesce with the former PM's request for early release, having served 2 thirds of his sentence and being taken to hospital after suffering chest pains; 'The time has come for mercy.'
Olmert, whose original sentence of 6 years was reduced to 18 months in December 2015, only to be increased by a further 8 months in September 2016 for corruption-related charges, was expecting to receive a ruling last Thursday on whether his request for an early release would be granted. However, the decision was delayed.
Education Minister Naftali Bennett (Bayit Yehudi) was among the leading officials advocating Olmert’s early release. “The time has come to release Olmert,” he said. “Despite the differences of opinions between us, there is no question about the decisive contribution of Prime Minister Olmert to Israel’s security through a number of courageous decisions. The time has come for mercy.”
Yesh Atid Leader Yair Lapid also joined the rallying cry for clemency towards the man responsible for launching Israel's Operation Cast Lead in 2008. “I think it is time for him to return home,” Lapid said.
Last Tuesday, Olmert was taken to Tel Hashomer Hospital after he was reported to have been suffering from chest pains.
Over the past few days, a picture began to circulate on social media networks showing Olmert in a frail state in hospital. The picture, which started on a WhatsApp group, was uploaded on Facebook by Transportation Minister Katz (Likud) as he called for Olmert’s release—a move that evoked significant criticism from fellow politicians.
Reacting to the upload, Zionist Union MK Omer Bar-Lev wrote: “The publishing of a picture of Olmert in hospital, in such a vulnerable and exposed state, is despicable. This government has totally lost its way. Today I am ashamed; Simply ashamed.”