JERUSALEM, (Reuters) – Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was indicted yesterday over corruption scandals that forced him to resign last year.
The charges stem from allegations he took cash payments from a U.S. businessman, advanced the interests of clients of a former law partner and double-billed Israeli charities for overseas travel expenses during fund-raising trips.
Olmert has denied any wrongdoing in the cases, which relate to his terms as mayor of Jerusalem and industry and trade minister before he became Israel’s leader in 2006.
The veteran politician resigned as prime minister in September 2008, saying he intended to wage a legal battle to clear his name.
He remained in office through March when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-leaning government was sworn in.
The charges against Olmert include fraud, breach of trust and failure to report income, the Justice Ministry said in a statement.
