Prime Minister Ehud Olmert attacked his detractors on Thursday night in a surprisingly scathing speech at the Kadima convention. In his speech, Olmert said he is aware that he is not popular, and blamed the media and his political foes for attacking him with “a shower of venom.” According to Olmert, he could be popular if he was willing to compromise on his principles, but he prefers to do the right thing.



Olmert also attacked the investigations into his alleged criminal behavior, saying the charges against him were invented by publicity hounds and have no truth behind them. He finished his speech by stressing his intention to stay in power. The voters picked him to lead the country for four years, Olmert said, and to step down earlier would be to betray their trust.