Political analyst Tala Okal from the Gaza Strip also believes Olmert's downfall will have an effect on the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, though "everybody knows that Israel is collecting excuses to spoil the talks or to minimize its results."

Dismissing America's statements that Olmert's resignation will not affect the peace talks as mere "hot air", Okal stressed that the scandal allegations weakened Olmert's position and disabled him to take any decision.

However, he also dismissed the idea that Abbas may resign if Olmert is sent out of office or the talks would totally fail, adding that failure of talks would mean the failure of the US administration in the region.

In the same context, Okal warned that Israel might escalate its military operations on Gaza in light of the predicament Olmert is in, pointing out that there are people who circulate the scandal to affect the future of the centrist Kadima party.

Olmert's Kadima party's victory in March 2006 elections had been based on a platform of dismantling dozens of settlements and withdrawing troops from most of the occupied West Bank, after a similar withdrawal from Gaza the previous year.

Okal also said that Barak is trying to seize the opportunity to get himself prepared to be the next Prime Minister.

Another political analyst, Saleh al-Naamai, agreed that the corruption allegations against Olmert will paralyze his political abilities.

With the scandal, Olmert's approach to reactivate the peace process with Abbas would be viewed as an escape from the corruption issues, which consequently hampers the peace talks, according to al-Naamai.

Al-Naamai, specialized in Israeli affairs, advised Abbas to resign or seek to solve the Palestinian internal problem if a political settlement with Israel is beyond reach, as Olmert's resignation and the possible collapse of talks will gravely embarrass Abbas as currently his political program is mainly based on the negotiations.

If Olmert resigns after officially indicted, as he has promised, it will give Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni a chance to chair a new government, al-Naamai said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 30, 2008)