Olmert: $70,000 a speech
Olmert: $70,000 a speechIsrael News Photo: (GTN)

Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has set up business in the United States and is offering speaking appearances for $40,000-70,000. He also has opened up Ehud Olmert Consultant Ltd., which will give him a base to engage in “any legal endeavor.” He left Israel last month because his doctors said his prostate cancer must be treated “urgently” and that the best he can get is in the U.S. Several Israeli doctors have publicly criticized his decisions, saying that treatment in Israel is excellent.

His lawyers won a court decision against an attempt by State prosecutors to force him to remain in the country until hearings are held on pending indictments against him. There is no indication when Olmert will return and when the hearings will be held.

Investigative journalist Yoav Yitzchak, whose News 1 website has been in the forefront of disclosing news on criminal investigations against the former prime minister, predicted several weeks ago that Olmert’s intention was to begin a round of business ventures in the U.S.

Greater Talent Network (GTN), which represents and is marketing Olmert, described him as “one of the most influential and respected leaders in Israel’s history.”

The talent agency claimed that Olmert, as Mayor of Jerusalem, “established the most advanced transportation infrastructure in the country.” Olmert also was credited with the economic boom that began in 2003 and which is largely attributed to then-Finance Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. “Olmert founded historic free trade agreements that bolstered Israel’s economy, resulting in a tremendous increase in exports, employment and trade routes throughout the country,” GTN announced.

“For the first time in history, the scope of Israel’s exports exceeded imports, and under Olmert’s economic and financial leadership, Israel experienced unprecedented growth and regional trade expansion.” GTN added.

For a sum of up to $70,000, Olmert is willing to offer “an in-depth analysis of the world's most difficult and complex issues, including international security, urban infrastructure, universal health care and education reform.”