Israeli PM should suspend himself if investigated: justice official

A senior Israeli justice official said on Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert should suspend himself from his post if a criminal investigation is launched against him, local daily Yediaoth Ahronoth reported.

Both from a public and legal perspective, Olmert has no choice but to suspend himself from duty, said the official, adding that it is Olmert's obligation like that of Justice Minister or Internal Security Minister who can not server either while being investigated.

The call for Olmert's temporary resign became popular in justice system following the report of an imminent police indictment against Olmert.

Israel's Channel 10 reported Monday night that Attorney General Menachem Mazuz plans to investigate Olmert affairs, focusing on the state's sale of a controlling interest in Bank Leumi.

The opening of a criminal investigation against Olmert is expected to be announced by Justice Ministry in next week when the prime minister returns from his trip to China.

However, the Justice Ministry declined to confirm the report, saying in a statement that "We wish to make it clear that we have no intention of commenting on any report, news item or speculation regarding affairs involving the prime minister."

Spokesman of the ministry said that they would not announced the investigation until all decision-making process on the matter ended.

Source: Xinhua