Foreign minister calls for Olmert to go

Updated 17.32 Wed May 02 2007

Keywords: Amir Peretz, conflict, war, resign, Lebanon, Israel, Ehud Olmert, Tzipi Livni

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni has told Prime Minister Ehud Olmert he should resign following increasing pressure over his handling of last year's Lebanon war.

Ms Livni's announcement that she also wants to take over as leader of his centrist Kadima party may prove to be a fatal blow to Mr Olmert's leadership as he scrambles to save his political life.

"I told the prime minister that I thought to resign was the right thing to do" - Tzipi Livni

"I told the Prime Minister that I thought to resign was the right thing to do," Ms Livni said after meeting Mr Olmert privately. "Now is the time to restore the public's trust in the government."

Israeli Defence Minister Amir Peretz was believed to be considering stepping down after Monday's release of an official report which sharply criticised Mr Peretz, Mr Olmert and the army chief of staff at the time, Dan Halutz.

Mr Olmert has so far refused to step down and Mr Halutz resigned earlier this year.

After assembling his first cabinet meeting since the report was released, Mr Olmert acknowledged failures but suggested he was in no hurry to step aside.

"Clearly the report points to very serious failings by the whole government, and naturally my failings as its head," Mr Olmert said.

He added: "It is primarily incumbent on this government, which is responsible for the failings, to also be responsible for fixing them.

"I suggest that all those who are in a hurry to take advantage of this report and make political gain - slow down."