Ehud Olmert, the Israeli Prime Minister, tonight tearfully announced that he would step down in September, ending months of speculation over whether he could ride out a string of corruption probes. "I have decided I won't run in the Kadima movement primaries, nor do I intend to intervene in the elections," said Mr Olmert, tears glistening in his eyes as he made an impromptu announcement from his Jerusalem office. "I have made mistakes and I regret it," said the 62-year-old, who is also battling prostate cancer. The disclosure is likely to have a juddering effect on the fraught Middle East peace process, since much of the recent progress in talks with the Palestinians had hinged on the close personal bond Mr Olmert had forged with the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas.
Ehud Olmert, the Israeli Prime Minister, tonight tearfully announced that he would step down in September, ending months of speculation over whether he could ride out a string of corruption probes.
"I have decided I won't run in the Kadima movement primaries, nor do I intend to intervene in the elections," said Mr Olmert, tears glistening in his eyes as he made an impromptu announcement from his Jerusalem office.
"I have made mistakes and I regret it," said the 62-year-old, who is also battling prostate cancer.
The disclosure is likely to have a juddering effect on the fraught Middle East peace process, since much of the recent progress in talks with the Palestinians had hinged on the close personal bond Mr Olmert had forged with the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas.
