The Israeli former prime minister Ehud Olmert is considering a political comeback, despite his recent conviction for breach of trust and his forthcoming trial on bribery charges, to challenge Binyamin Netanyahu in a general election next year.
Olmert, who was prime minister from 2006 until 2009, is expected to decide on the move within days.
His allies claim there is no legal bar to such a move.
Mr Netanyahu announced on Tuesday evening that he would go to the polls early next year rather than face the defeat of his austerity budget. The date is to be set in the coming days, with most commentators predicting late January or early February. Mr Olmert could return to lead the centre-right Kadima party, ousting its present head, Shaul Mofaz. – (Guardian service)