Israeli leader: ‘I speak for my nation’
But survey shows most want Olmert impeached, oppose evacuating territory
By Aaron Klein
Israelis support this week’s U.S.-sponsored Annapolis summit, said Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who told reporters yesterday he speaks on behalf of his “entire” country.
The majority of Israelis – some 55 percent – believe the Knesset should remove Olmert from office due to criminal investigations against him
But a poll conducted before Olmert departed Israel last week showed the majority of Israelis want Olmert removed from office, oppose handing strategic territory to the Palestinians, and fear the prime minister was seeking an accord with the Palestinians at Annapolis because he is concerned with his political future and not about Israel’s national interests.
“I speak for the entire country, who are with me,” said Olmert in comments to reporters yesterday.