Olmert: Netanyahu is all talk, at least I acted

Former prime minister has yet to decide whether to make a comeback, says deadline appearing in the press are incorrect.

By LAHAV HARKOV
EHUD OLMERT 370 (photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem/The Jerusalem Post)
EHUD OLMERT 370
(photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem/The Jerusalem Post)
Former prime minister Ehud Olmert slammed Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Monday night, but remained coy about his political future as sources continued to say he is unlikely to run for the 19th Knesset.
According to Olmert, “none of the deadlines that appeared in the press are correct. Someone made up the idea that I will decide by this weekend. I still don’t know.”
Olmert appeared amused at the bevy of reporters attending his speech at Tel Aviv University’s Institute for Applied Diplomacy, saying “the Israeli press is serious. They heard there is a speech on military law in Israel, and they don’t want to miss one word!” As the press gathered around him, the former prime minister told them to smile and relax.
“All of this suspense is embarrassing,” Olmert said. “Everything will come in its time.”
Sources close to Olmert said on Monday that he is unlikely to return to politics after the State Attorney’s Office decided last week to appeal his acquittal in corruption cases.
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Still, the former prime minister did not hide his opinion of Netanyahu.
“The Netanyahu government is all talk; at least I acted,” Olmert said. “On a practical level, this government needs to be improved. It knows how to speak, but less how to do things.”
Olmert refused to answer questions about possibly running with Tzipi Livni, Maybe make it who replaced Olmert as Kadima leader in 2008.
Earlier Monday, Livni met with Histadrut chairman Ofer Eini, sparking rumors that she may run for the second spot on Labor’s list.
Livni would not comment on the meeting, but Channel 2 reported that she does not want to be number two, and, should she return to politics, will found a new party.
Sources close to Eini said the meeting was probably an attempt by him to put pressure on Labor leader Shelly Yacimovich since their relations have soured.