News Brief

(IsraelNN.com) Prime Minister Ehud Olmert issued an official statement to reporters on Thursday night shortly after police decided to lift a gag order on an investigation into allegations of bribery.  Olmert is accused of illegally receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from American fundraiser Maurice Talansky.

Olmert said Talansky had helped him with campaign financing and debt payment during his race for mayor of Jerusalem and again when he ran for leadership of the Likud party.  The money in question went towards the campaigns, he said.  Olmert did not mention former bureau chief Shula Zaken, who has been repeatedly questioned in connection to the case.

Olmert told the public that he would step down if prosecutors decided to indict him for receiving bribes.  He expressed confidence that no indictment would be filed.