Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Monday afternoon gave rare praise to Opposition leader and Likud chairman Binyamin (Bibi) Netanyahu, who has been trying to topple the current government and force new elections.

Speaking at a Knesset ceremony honoring local governments, Prime Minister Olmert said that MK Netanyahu was "a good Finance Minister." He made the comment while calling for reforms in financial management in Israeli cities. Prime Minister Olmert added, "We may have to strengthen the position of mayors and weaken the power of city councils, but without leaving the mayors without supervision."