Olmert released from prison
Olmert released from prisonHadas Parush/Flash 90

Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was released on Sunday morning from the Maasiyahu Prison after serving 16 months, or two thirds of his sentence, over corruption offenses.

The parole board last week accepted Olmert's request for early release, days after he was hospitalized after complaining of chest pains.

The state prosecutor contemplated appealing the parole board's ruling, but ultimately announced it would not appeal the decision, paving the way for his discharge on Sunday.

Prior to the parole board's ruling, officials in the Israeli political system called to free Olmert. Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz (Likud) said, “The former Prime Minister was punished and fulfilled two thirds of his punishment. The attribute of mercy requires that he be sent home.”

Minister Naftali Bennett (Jewish Home) wrote on Twitter, “The time has come to free Olmert. Despite the differences of opinion, there is no argument about his contributions to the security of Israel. The time has come to show mercy.”

אולמרט יוצא מהכלא [באדיבות חדשות 10]