The prime minister’s legal team on Thursday will begin the cross-examination of the state’s star witness against him in the cash envelopes investigation.

The legal team will make its presentation in the Jerusalem District Court, seeking to show holes in Moshe Talansky’s testimony, documenting inconsistencies in his original testimony. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s attorneys maintain that the state prosecutor and police assisted Talansky, basically accusing them of putting words in his mouth.

Interestingly, one of the lawyers representing the prime minister, Prof. Ron Shapira, who reportedly suggested that Olmert make a deal to avoid a prison sentence, has since resigned from the case. The prime minister’s media advisors denied the accuracy of the Yediot Achronot report, stating Shapira never gave such advice. Prior to Shapira’s resignation, there were reports of increased tensions among members of the defense team.

It was also learned earlier this week that the Olmert team hired a high-priced private investigation firm in the hope of digging up some dirt that would assist them in discrediting Talansky. According to Olmert’s defense counsel, the cross-examination will take a number of days.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)