Former Israeli PM Olmert indicted for corruption

JERUSALEM, (Reuters) – Former Israeli Prime Minister  Ehud Olmert was indicted yesterday over corruption scandals that  forced him to resign last year.

The charges stem from allegations he took cash payments from  a U.S. businessman, advanced the interests of clients of a  former law partner and double-billed Israeli charities for  overseas travel expenses during fund-raising trips.

Olmert has denied any wrongdoing in the cases, which relate  to his terms as mayor of Jerusalem and industry and trade  minister before he became Israel’s leader in 2006.

The veteran politician resigned as prime minister in  September 2008, saying he intended to wage a legal battle to  clear his name.

He remained in office through March when Prime Minister  Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-leaning government was sworn in.

The charges against Olmert include fraud, breach of trust  and failure to report income, the Justice Ministry said in a  statement.