Olmert 'may quit over scandal'

Ehud Olmert, the Israeli prime minister, is likely to step down, or at least have his duties as prime minister suspended as bribery allegations against him are probed.   Walid al-Umari, Al Jazeera's Palestine bureau chief reporting from Ramallah, said on Wednesday that some Israeli political sources believe Olmert will step down.

Al-Umari said Israeli police have evidence linking Olmert to bribery. But Israel has imposed a ban on the release of any information about the charges against the prime minister, and the ongoing investigation.   The police are expected to partially lift this ban by Sunday, he said.

Al-Umari said Tzipi Livni, the Israeli foreign minister, may assume the post of prime minister until the investigation is completed.   "The [foreign] minister will replace him and can keep the job for 100 days. After that the president of Israel nominates people to form a new government by preparing for elections," said al-Umari. 

  House arrest  

Early elections could be held possibly in November to choose a new prime minister.