Olmert seen as too weak to cut peace deal with Syria -- china.org.cn

Despite the much touted Turkey-brokered talks between Israel and Syria on a peace deal, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is seen by many analysts as too weak to fulfill the goal.

Olmert has been facing legal troubles culminated with the fifth police investigation into scandals since he took power in 2006. He is suspected of illegally receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from Jewish American businessman Morris Talansky.

Despite the much touted Turkey-brokered talks between Israel and Syria on a peace deal, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is seen by many analysts as too weak to fulfill the goal.

Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (2nd R) heads the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem June 1, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Although Olmert vowed to stay on power, Israel's powerful Defense Minister Ehud Barak pressed him to step aside because of his political or legal distractions. Barak, presumably a contender for Olmert's job, even threatened to bring down the government if Olmert does not comply.

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