Olmert submits resignation to president

YNet ^ | Sept. 21, 2008 | Roni Sofer

[Alouette]

PM arrives at president's official Jerusalem residence to submit his resignation after 33 months in office. Peres promises to work quickly toward establishment of new coalition, thanks Olmert for his 'contribution to country'

Roni Sofer Latest Update: 09.21.08, 20:19 / Israel News

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert arrived at President Shimon Peres' official residence in Jerusalem Sunday evening in order to submit his resignation just 33 months after taking office.

Peres told reporters shortly after receiving the letter that he "appreciates the special way in which Olmert decided to transfer power. It was not an easy decision to make and I know this is a difficult evening for him.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the prime minister for his contribution to the people and the country and for many years of public service," the president said.

Peres added that he would make every effort to task one of the MKs with forming a new coalition prior to his departure for New York Monday night to attend the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Olmert's government has accordingly become a transit government until newly elected Kadima Chairwoman Tzipi Livni, who is expected to be tasked with assembling the next government, forms a new coalition or decides to call elections.

President Peres will next consult with representatives of the different factions, who will recommend whom he should task with forming a new government – most likely Foreign Minister Livni.

Peres is not wasting any time, and is expected to meet with Kadima and Likud faction representatives later this evening.

The Knesset member tasked with the mission will be given 28 days, with a possible extension of 14 days. If this person fails, the president is authorized to order a different MK to form a coalition within an additional 28 days.

Should the second MK fail to do so, the general elections will be moved up and will be held within 90 days.

On Sunday morning, Olmert informed the cabinet that he would be stepping down.

He began the weekly cabinet meeting by wishing Livni the best of luck, and pledging her his support.

"I hope she can form a coalition soon and I will give her any support she needs in the process. I know how hard it is to do, as does (Defense Minister Ehud) Barak," he added.

[Alouette]

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[Joe Boucher]

Good, now arrest him and throw his butt in to jail.

[Marauder]

Israel needs Netanyahu back in charge.

[knyteflyte3]

Does this mean that Bibi Netanyahu has a shot at this???

[HelloooClareece]

Fingers crossed that it goes to a general election and Likud (and Bibi) prevail.

[forYourChildrenVote4Bush]

I don't know the answer to this,

but, the Israelis, i think have lost the will to fight...I would be extremely surprised if Israelis going to vote for a more conservative government...

Its going to take a nuclear bomb in Israel to shake out the corruption in Israeli politics, but by than, there won't be anything left.... I hope Americans don't follow in their footprints...

[mkjessup]

Good chance of it I think, Ehud Barak of the Labor Party (and currently Defense Minister) is more aligned with Netanyahu of Likud, and if Netanyahu becomes Prime Minister, he will most likely keep Barak right there at Defense.

Livni is busy selling out Israel to the terrorists and I predict that Kadima is going to end up on life support just like Ariel Sharon.

The new year will see Bibi back in the driver’s seat and that’s a good thing for Israel and the world.

[P-Marlowe]

Does this mean that Bibi Netanyahu has a shot at this???

Either that or they will just hand the country over to Hamas.

[jalisco555]

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert arrived at President Shimon Peres' official residence in Jerusalem Sunday evening in order to submit his resignation just 33 months after taking office.

Slightly OT, but I didn't realize that Shimon Peres is Israel's President. I once heard him referred to as the zombie of Israeli politics, meaning he's the undead. Just when you think he's finished politically he rises from the grave. How does he do it? He's actually been in Israeli politics since before Independence!

[mkjessup]

Slightly OT, but I didn't realize that Shimon Peres is Israel's President. I once heard him referred to as the zombie of Israeli politics, meaning he's the undead. Just when you think he's finished politically he rises from the grave. How does he do it? He's actually been in Israeli politics since before Independence!

Interesting isn't it? Here's something even more interesting about him:

Daniel 5:28 "PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians."

I'm still waiting for someone to offer a plausible explanation as to how the name of the current President of Israel shows up prominently in a prophetic book of the Old Testament written 600+ years before Christ, and specifically refers to the 'Medes' (an ancient Iranian tribe) and the 'Persians' (which indeed IS Iran).

Shimon Peres' term as President won't be up until 2014.

Now THERE is something to think about, IMHO.

[Norman Bates]

If they can force an election, yes.

[Slings and Arrows]

Don’t let the screen door hit ya where HaShem split ya.

[Slings and Arrows]

The president of Israel is a figurehead head-of-state, much like the Queen of England. Peres’ only power is to be annoying, which in his case is no small capability.

[SevenofNine]

Good throw his butt in jail for corruption charges ALONE

[jalisco555]

The president of Israel is a figurehead head-of-state, much like the Queen of England. Peres’ only power is to be annoying, which in his case is no small capability.

I know that, I'm just amazed at his ability to be in the center of things time and time again. How many other world leaders have political careers that began in the 1940's? I've never been much of a fan of the guy but I can't help but being just a little impressed.

[Joe Boucher]

I doubt it.
Israel has lost its nerve to have a prime minister with the fortitude to stand up for Israel and against the mooselimbs and America.

[SJackson]

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[trisham]

From Wiki:

Tzipi Livni served as a lieutenant in the Israel Defense Forces and worked for the Mossad for nearly two years during the early 1980s, resigning in August 1983 to marry and finish her law studies. It was rumored that she was a terrorist hunter for the Mossad,[7] but recent findings suggest that Livni was a low level agent. She was hired to live in a Paris apartment to maintain the appearance of a regular residential property.[8] A graduate of Bar Ilan University's Faculty of Law, she has 10 years experience as a practicing lawyer specializing in public and commercial law.[9] Livni resides in Tel Aviv. She is married to accountant Naftali Spitzer and has two children, Omri and Yuval. According to her childhood friend Mirla Gal, Livni is a vegetarian.[10] Livni speaks Hebrew, English, and French.