Report: Israel already in post-Olmert era

TEL AVIV, Israel, May 10 (UPI) -- Israel has already entered a post-Ehud Olmert political era as the prime minister grapples with bribery allegations, sources say.

The New York Times reported that "the overwhelming view in Israel" was one of acceptance that Olmert's political career has all but ended, despite his declaration of innocence in an investigation linking him to payments from New York businessman Morris Talansky. Olmert says the payments were legal campaign contributions and that he will be vindicated.

But the Times quoted one Israeli lawmaker as saying Olmert's explanations aren't washing with the public.

"The public doesn't have too much more patience," Colette Avital, a Parliament member from the Labor Party, told the newspaper in what it said was a "typical" comment from Israeli leaders. "He is simply discredited. It may take some more weeks, or even months, but he won't be able to go on."

Calls for Olmert's resignation were from all corners of the Israeli political spectrum Friday, but Olmert may have gained more time by vowing to resign if he is eventually charged, the newspaper said.