Soccer Dad

It's Going To Be A Loooooong 8 Months

A White House spokesman said Bush took a telephone call from the Israeli leader Wednesday just before Olmert announced in Israel that he will resign in the fall. Spokesman Gordon Johndroe said Bush intends to work closely with Olmert until that time, and wishes him well. [emphasis added]

Before we warn Olmert to avoid allowing the door to slam behind him, we should remember something: there is a good chance the prime minister will remain in office for rather longer than many people might like. If the next leader of Kadima fails to put together a coalition after the September 17 primaries, which could very well happen, then there will be general elections. Since elections could take place as late as March 2009, Olmert might be with us for another eight months. Meanwhile, as prime minister he has immunity in the face of criminal prosecution which, as the police acknowledge, complicates their investigation. [emphasis added]

Olmert's resignation seemingly ends the efforts of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to bring about an Israeli-Palestinian breakthrough by the end of the year, a goal she and President Bush set at the Annapolis peace conference last November. Although Olmert's loss of political and moral authority is only partly responsible for the lack of progress, his resignation provides Rice with an excuse to explain why the U.S. administration was unable to produce a successful conclusion.