Olmert bribery investigation continues

A judge has allowed the media to report that the prosecution in Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's bribery case is seeking testimony of a foreign national.

If Olmert is unable to complete his term, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni would be acting prime minister until general elections in the fall.

JERUSALEM (UPI) -- A Jerusalem judge Tuesday decided to allow media to report a key move by prosecutors in the investigation of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Meanwhile, a Tel Aviv court refused to lift a gag order barring media reports on details about the investigation, DEBKAfile.com reported.

In Jerusalem, the judge ruled the prosecution's seeking testimony of a foreign national could be published, the military intelligence Web site reported. Once the testimony is given, police and prosecutors can better decide whether to pursue indictments against Olmert and his former confidential assistant Shula Zaken, who is under house arrest for refusing to answer police questions.

Even though allegations against Olmert are under a gag order, leaked reports indicate they involve bribery.

People close to the prime minister told DEBKAfile.com they don't envision Olmert surviving the political fallout from the investigation.

If Olmert is unable to complete his term, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni would be acting prime minister until general elections in the fall.

© Copyright United Press International. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.