Ehud Olmert announced he will not participate in the Kadima party primaries, to be held on September 17th, Ultimately, his resignation cost the Labor party the elections which were won by the Likud party, headed by Menachem Begin. Rabin was able to clear his name and return to politics and to the prime minster office. Back in corruptions allegations against senior political figures in Israel were few and far between.
Today, many of the most dominant political leaders in Israel are allegedly involved in some sort of corruption. The Israeli public is fed-up with corrupt politicians; there is very little tolerance left. In the court of public opinion Olmert has already been found guilty. Surrounded by his most senior and closest advisors, Olmert demonstrated uncompromising optimism regarding his political future, the kind of optimism and confidence you expect from a leader, the kind that sweeps you away and gives you hope to carry on in the most difficult political climate.
