Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who was acquitted in a number of criminal cases against him by the Jerusalem District Court this week, told the media that at present, he has absolutely no plans to return to the political arena. Olmert spoke to the press marking six years since the Second Lebanon War, during which time he served as prime minister. He emphasized that the war “was correct” and necessary, defending his actions and decisions as the national leader at that time.

Olmert told participants of the defense conference in Tel Aviv to please refrain from “dragging his name” into areas he simply does not wish to go at present.

The former PM explained that he remains a member of Kadima but that is the extent of his political ambitions at present, signaling his is quite busy with other matters.

The prime minister is in the midst of the Holyland real estate trial.

Mr. Olmert jokingly stated “I want to calm all those concerned. I am not entering back into politics and I do not have a new party waiting on the shelf to be pulled out and activated”.

Senior news analyst Chanan Crystal commented on Olmert’s words and justification of his decisions vis-à-vis the war. Crystal added that Olmert was ousted from office in June 2008, following the advanced testimony of the star state witness, Talansky. He feels that the Winograd Report citing the governmental errors regarding the 2nd Lebanon War may not have toppled him if not coming directly after the testimony of Talansky and in this case, it was more a case of timing than the damaging report.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)