Olmert Says He Really Will Quit after Kadima Primary

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Thursday reiterated his pledge to step down immediately after Kadima chooses a successor next week, dispelling speculation he will try to linger in office.

With the primary set for Wednesday, the announcement means that the new Kadima leader could find him or herself racing to form a new government in as little as a week.

Olmert, who is battling corruption investigations, announced in July that he would resign after Kadima chose a new leader. But some felt he was vague about the timing of his exit, raising speculation that he might delay it.

Addressing a Kadima Party meeting at Kfar Hamaccabiah in Ramat Gan on Thursday night, the prime minister said he did not intend to delay his resignation.

"As I have said before, immediately after the selection of a new chairman of Kadima, I plan to resign and recommend to the president to pick the new head of the party to form a government," he said.

Olmert, however, must remain premier while his successor tries to form a new coalition, a process that could take weeks. If the new Kadima leader fails, and no other party leader is deemed capable of forming a government, it would force a general election a year and a half ahead of schedule.

Coalition negotiations could last until next spring, and Olmert would remain in office as head of a transitional government until then.