American Jewish businessman Moshe (Morris) Talansky told investigators from the police’s anti fraud unit that he gave Prime Minister Ehud Olmert money that was not used for elections, according to Maariv.
“I gave Olmert money that was not used to cover elections debts or to fund the election campaign,” Talansky reportedly said.
Talansky’s admission contradicts Olmert’s claim that all of the money he was given went to cover campaign costs or to pay back debts incurred during his campaigns. Talansky continues to insist that he did not receive any benefits in exchange for the money given to Olmert, and that he had no intention of getting anything in return when he gave Olmert hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Police investigators from the National Fraud Unit again questioned Talansky on Tuesday in connection with a bribery investigation against PM Olmert.
Talansky is scheduled to testify in a deposition in the case in Jerusalem District Court in early testimony on Sunday, May 25, a day before he is scheduled to return to the US. State prosecutors feared he would be reluctant to return to provide later testimony.
Police will question also question Olmert again, with investigators scheduled to show up at 10 a.m. Friday at Olmert's home in Jerusalem.
Gag Order to be Lifted
The remaining partial gag order in place with regard to the latest Olmert scandal will be lifted at 8 p.m. Wednesday, as police have decided not to request an extension. Investigative journalist Yoav Yitzchak of News First Class says that new details of the case will be disclosed at that point.