Ehud Olmert: podcast appearances and interviews

Ehud Olmert is an Israeli politician and lawyer who served as the prime minister of Israel from 2006 to 2009. Born on September 30, 1945, Olmert was first elected to the Knesset for Likud in 1973 at the age of 28. His political career includes serving as a minister without portfolio from 1988 to 1990 and as Minister of Health from 1990 until 1992. In 1993, he was elected Mayor of Jerusalem, serving two consecutive five-year terms. Olmert returned to national politics in 2003, holding roles such as Designated Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Trade, and Minister of Communications. Following the resignation of Benjamin Netanyahu, he served as acting Minister of Finance from 2005 to 2006. In late 2005, Olmert left Likud along with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to help form Kadima, and in January 2006, he became the acting Prime Minister after Sharon was incapacitated by a stroke. He then succeeded Sharon as Kadima leader and formed a government after the 2006 elections. During his tenure, Israel engaged in the 2006 Lebanon War, which ended inconclusively. His leadership faced criticism, including from the Winograd Commission concerning his handling of the war. Olmert engaged in peace negotiations with Palestinians, including the 2007 Annapolis Conference. He resigned as prime minister in 2008 amid low approval ratings and a corruption investigation, remaining in office until March 2009 when Benjamin Netanyahu succeeded him. After leaving office, Olmert was convicted of accepting bribes and obstruction of justice, receiving a six-year prison sentence in 2014. He was released on parole in July 2017.