Free Republic

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's popularity has plunged sharply after Israel's war with Hezbollah and he would likely be crushed by the right-wing opposition if elections were held now, according to a poll published Friday. The next vote is not scheduled until 2010. However, Olmert's government could be forced out earlier amid growing public anger over his performance during the war, which ended inconclusively after 120 Israeli soldiers and 39 civilians were killed. At least 854 people were killed in Lebanon. Olmert has faced increasing pressure in recent days. including calls by army reservists and bereaved parents that he...