Labor party chairman and Defense Minister Ehud Barak announced several minutes ago that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert must turn the reins of the government over to someone else or the Labor party will act to call elections. The two leaders met for about an hour before the press conference.

Aides to the Prime Minister said earlier on Wednesday that he will remain in office so long as he is not charged for criminal violations, of which he is suspected during another current police probe.

The Defense Minister told reporters, "In light of the current security situation, I do not think the Prime Minister can run the government and also take care of his personal issues. I think he must separate himself from day-to-day operations of the government." He added that it is up to Prime Minister Olmert whether he quits or suspends himself.