Political appointment charges against Olmert and aide dropped

Criminal charges against former prime minister Ehud Olmert and his senior aide, Ovad Yehezkel, in connection with improper political appointments made while Olmert headed the Industry, Trade, and Labor Ministry, were dropped on Tuesday.

One reason given for closing the case was a lack of resources, a Justice Ministry media statement said. Another related to the fact that the case would not be covering new ground.

The investigation against Olmert and Ezekiel began in 2007 after a state comptroller’s report found he had used his authority to arrange appointments to the Investments Center — a government agency that promotes business and industry — for people who would advance the interests of his Likud party.

In 2009 police recommended that the two be prosecuted, and hearings were held starting in June 2011.

Olmert was acquitted in July of corruption charges in two other cases (the Talansky and Rishon Tours affairs) and convicted of a relatively minor breach of trust charge. A case relating to the Holyland real estate bribery affair is still in trial.

Olmert’s media adviser, Amir Dan, welcomed the move but said it came too late as “the damage has already been done.” Olmert was booted out of office for nothing, Dan said, adding that the closing of the case “is proof that the subject of political appointments was deliberately blown out of proportion.”