Middle East News
Israeli premier under pressure over new corruption allegations
By DPA
May 4, 2008, 12:24 GMT

Tel Aviv - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is once again under pressure over corruption allegations, media reports said Sunday.

Police questioned Olmert for an hour and a half on Friday over the latest allegations. However, owing to a news blackout the media could not report more details.

The Yediot Aharonot newspaper said that the investigation concerns kickbacks Olmert allegedly received from a US businessman before he took office in 2006.

Olmert's former bureau chief, Shula Zaken, was also questioned.

The Israeli premier said Sunday that the rumours against him are 'wicked and malicious.' The premier is facing three other investigations over corruption allegations.

Meanwhile three members of the Pensioners' Party announced they are withdrawing from Olmert's ruling coalition and joining a new party. Their withdrawal leaves Olmert with the backing of just 64 members of the 120-seat parliament.

Olmert is to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday.