Title : Acting Prime Minister of Israel
Born: Ehud Olmert was born on September 30, 1945 in Binyamina in pre-state Israel.
Education: Olmert holds B.A. and LL.B. degrees in Psychology, Philosophy and Law from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is a lawyer by profession.
Military Career: Olmert served in the IDF as a combat infantry unit officer. Later he worked as a reporter for the Israeli army journal.
Political Career: Olmert entered the Israeli political arena in 1973 when he was elected a Member of Knesset. In 1988-1990 he served as a Minister without Portfolio, responsible for minority affairs. He was the Minister of Health from 1990-1992. In November 1993, Olmert was elected mayor of Jerusalem. He resigned from the Knesset in 1998. In 2003, he was re-elected to the Knesset, and he resigned from his position as mayor of Jerusalem.
Political Party: During PM Ariel Sharon's second term as Prime Minister, Olmert became Sharon's right hand man. He was an vocal ally of Sharon during Israel's Withdrawal from Gaza in 2005. When Sharon announced his resignation from the Likud party and the formation of the new, centrist Kadima party in 2005, Olmert was one of the first to join him.
Supporters: Olmert gained governing experience in his decade as mayor of Jerusalem, one of Israel's most sensitive jobs. As the mayor of Jerusalem, Olmert had to balance conflicting Jewish and Palestinian interests while wrestling with constant budget shortfalls by raising money abroad.
Critics: Olmert's opponents accuse him of opportunism. They cite his request to use funds from the Likud Treasury for his defense during a libel scandal as well as the political appointments he has made over the years. In addition, many members of the Likud party criticize his move from hawk to moderate as he had a change of heart with regard to territorial concessions.
Personal: Mr. Olmert is married and the father of four.
Latest News: Olmert, a member of Ariel Sharon's Kadima party, was serving as the Deputy Prime Minister when Prime Minister Sharon suffered a massive stroke. Prime ministerial powers were temporarily transferred to Olmert on January 4, 2006.