March 23, 2006. Copyright 2006, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Ehud Olmert bids for Kadima victory
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, March 23, Graphic News:  Is it better to be seen as the custodian of continuity or as a catalyst for radical change? Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert must tread a thin line on the shifting sands of Middle East politics if he is to become IsraelŐs elected leader in March 28 polls.

Olmert, who replaced Ariel Sharon in January after he suffered a stroke, has presented voters with a detailed new map of Israel. His blueprint envisages dismantling most West Bank settlements and resetting the nationŐs borders by 2010, angering settlers and Palestinians who insist that final borders be decided by negotiations.

Although the plan in some ways continues work that Sharon began last year with the generally well-received pullout from Gaza, it is by any standards a bold move. Israeli politicians are usually vague about their intentions before an election. OlmertŐs Kadima Party is still set to win, but its once strong lead has slipped with the deputy at its helm.

Then again, perhaps Olmert, 60, has calculated that this is simply his best shot at the main prize towards the end of a long career in which he has often walked in the shadows of more charismatic men such as Sharon, or longtime rival Benjamin Netanyahu. Olmert was one of the first members of the right-wing Likud party to follow Sharon to the more centrist Kadima when the prime minister formed the new party in November 2005.

Born in Binyamina in 1945, Olmert graduated from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem with degrees in psychology, philosophy and law. He spent a brief period in the Israeli Defence Forces, where he worked mainly as a journalist, before opening a law practice.

He was first elected to the Knesset in 1973 at the age of 28. From 1988-1990 he was minister in charge of minorities. He then served for two years as health minister before taking on the political role for which he is best remembered -- but for the wrong reasons.

OlmertŐs legacy from two terms (1993-2003) as mayor of Jerusalem is a complex one. He is credited with overseeing many improvements to the cityŐs infrastructure, such as a light railway and a sewage system. But he caused controversy by appointing Likud members to the Council, and allegations of corruption and illegal building dog him to this day.

In February 2003 Sharon made Olmert, considered one of his closest allies, his deputy as a reward for loyalty on his disengagement policy. In this role, Olmert often tested public reaction on controversial ideas to allow the Prime Minister to develop his policies.

In 2005 he replaced Netanyahu as finance minister when the latter stood down in protest at the pullout from the Gaza Strip. Olmert, who years earlier had himself opposed the pullout, attracted criticism when he became a vocal supporter of the controversial plan.

Though he is seen as gifted speaker and savvy media operator, OlmertŐs lack of direct military experience has led to unfavourable contrasts with Sharon, who is nicknamed the ŇBulldozerÓ. Olmert is married to Aliza, a writer, and has five children.

Since taking over the leadership in January, Olmert has worked hard to keep SharonŐs supporters in Kadima from returning to Likud, and his efforts appear to have paid off.
It remains to be seen, however, whether the electorate will also keep the faith.
/ENDS