The parole board decided this morning, Thursday, to accept the request of former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert for early release from prison.
Olmert is expected to be released this Sunday. The prosecution has requested to delay the release to allow for an appeal of the decision.
Earlier this week, Olmert was released from the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer and returned to the Maasiyahu prison, a week after he was evacuated to the hospital due to chest pains.
In recent days, voices from the political system have called to free Olmert. Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz (Likud) said, “The former Prime Minister was punished and satisfied 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.”