Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who is embroiled in a series of corruption scandals, could face arrest when he returns to Israel as authorities are cracking down on his associates and placing a gag order over domestic media to limit leaks about the investigation and pending arrests.
At issue is a corruption and bribery investigation into a multi-billion dollar Jerusalem complex, the Holyland Towers, that has multiple former officials under arrest or pending detention. At least one of the influential officials at the forefront of the investigation is abroad and many of the officials already arrested are former associates of Olmert. Israeli officials are reportedly under negotiations with the attorneys of suspects traveling abroad. Olmert is currently traveling abroad and has reportedly delayed a return to Israel, possibly due to this affair.
The Israeli government has issued a gag order on state media to prevent the publication of some of the officials’ names at the forefront of the investigation, but speculation (plus a little common sense) points to Olmert as the likely official who is on the verge of arrest upon his return to Israel. Granted, the Israeli government and media are mum on the subject. And, Olmert’s attorney denied any pending arrest, saying:
“I do not consider it, there is no reason that something like that should happen.”
Corruption and bribery allegations have plagued Olmert for years, leading him to resign from his post and ultimately to the ascension of Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu to the Prime Minister’s Office. Olmert has faced potential arrest a number of times, but if this case actually points to him, it would be the first instance where a former Israeli Prime Minister is actually shackled. Granted, corruption has been at the center of Israeli politics for decades, leading to the resignation of many high-ranking officials in multiple administrations.
It is unclear if Olmert is actually the official mentioned in reports. However, Olmert’s associates were detained, the Israeli government intends to arrest another former official traveling abroad, and Olmert is currently on foreign soil. Olmert’s eventual return to Israel will settle this matter, either with him greeted at Ben Gurion Airport by an arrest warrant and armed guards, or an uneventful trip home. My money’s on the former.
