TEL AVIV, Israel, May 4 (UPI) -- Ehud Olmert became Israel's prime minister Thursday, dropping the interim as he and his cabinet were formally sworn in.
Olmert, who has functioned as prime minister since Ariel Sharon's incapacitating stroke, promised to continue Sharon's policy of unilateral withdrawal from parts of the West Bank, the BBC reported. He said that he would prefer to negotiate with the Palestinian Authority but would not negotiate with those deemed terrorists, the Hamas-led government.
Olmert's Kadima Party leads a coalition that includes Labor, Shas and the Gil Pensioners Party. It is expected to pick up another six seats in the Knesset when the United Torah Judaism Party comes on board.
In his first speech to the Knesset, Olmert said he trusts the patriotism of every member. This was a response to Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Israel Beiteinu, who said that some Arab members are collaborating with Hamas and should be executed.
