American businessman Morris Talansky is scheduled to testify in Jerusalem District Court Tuesday morning (today) in the continuing criminal investigation against Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, whose attorneys will not conduct a cross-examination. They said they have not been given enough time to study legal material. The court has rejected a request by prosecutors that Prime Minister Olmert appear at the hearing in order to respond to Talansky's testimony.

Talansky will testify concerning his relations with Prime Minister Olmert, the extent of their financial relationship and how he transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars to him. Talansky previously told investigators that he gave cash in envelopes that were delivered to the Prime Minister's lawyer Uri Messer and his aide Shula Zaken. The prosecution also wants to know if the money was intended for a specific purpose, and government lawyers will try to confirm the dates of transfer. Prime Minister Olmert has claimed the money was used to cover campaign debts.

He is suspected of fraud and breach of public trust. It is not yet clear if the money transfers involve bribery.