Olmert returning to Israel due to Holyland affair

In light of reports on corruption scandal, Olmert declares that he will show up for investigation if asked to and decides to cut short trip abroad. Other people suspected of being involved in Holyland scandal also to be investigated Wednesday

Aviad Glickman|Published: 04.14.10 , 17:32

Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert decided to cut short his stay in Europe and will land in Israel on Wednesday night on the backdrop of the Holyland corruption scandal he has been implicated in.

Olmert's media advisor, Amir Dan, announced Wednesday that Olmert, who has been in Europe for the past few days, will return to Israel even though he denies any connection or involvement with the Holyland affair.

According to Dan, Olmert "declared clearly a week ago that he will show up for any investigation if asked to do so."

In a statement issued by Dan, it was written, "In light of increasing reports in recent days that the police are interested in investigating Olmert for his alleged involvement in the Holyland scandal, Olmert decided to shorten his trip. We have all seen how grandiose and resolved headlines at the start of an investigation change over time once the true facts start coming to light."

This week, Ynet reported that Olmert's attorney sent a letter to Jerusalem District Prosecutor Eli Abarbanel saying that his client has agreed to be interrogated upon his return to Israel should he be asked to do so, Ynet reported on Sunday.

"Mr. Olmert will attend any questioning session, as he has done many times in the past. I would appreciate it if you would schedule any interrogation in advance, as was the case in the past," Attorney Eli Zohar wrote amid reports that Olmert is expected to be questioned.

Additional suspects in the affair are slated to arrive for police questioning on Wednesday. It was hinted in the past that additional arrests and investigations are expected in addition to the seven suspects who have already been arrested.

The remand of six of the suspects detained in the Holyland case was extended by five days. Jerusalem Municipality's legal advisor received a request to halt construction on the Holyland real estate project. He promised to give the case priority.