There is no doubt that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert considers himself the leader of the nation and the fact that he heads a transition government, knowing his days in office are numbered, in no way impacts his brazen decision-making policies.

The latest political storm surrounding Olmert is a report in Yediot Achronot that the prime minister announced to Syria that Israel is ready to resume talks at anytime, the sooner the better.

Olmert’s remarks are contrary to the position taken by the Supreme Court and senior officials, who maintain a transition government, should maintain the day-to-day operation of the nation without entering into or making any major policy decisions.

Among the outspoken critics was Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, the Kadima Party leader, who blasted Olmert for his effort to continue moving ahead on the Syrian and other fronts, seeking to create facts on the ground during his last days in officer, particularly regarding political realities that will have a profound impact on the next government.

Shas leader Minister Eli Yishai also opposes moving ahead on the Syrian track, a move that he believes strengthens the “axis of evil” and “weakens Israel’s position,” calling on Damascus to first cut its terrorist ties with Hizbullah and Iran prior to Jerusalem entering into any diplomatic process.

Supporting the prime minister is Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who by most accounts is looking at his last days in a senior post as well, with many polls predicting Barak’s Labor Party will emerge in the single digits following the February 10th general election.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)