Israel PM battles corruption allegations
Published:Wednesday | May 28, 2008 | 5:27 PM
Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak has called for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to take a leave of absence or resign as he battles allegations of corruption.
Barak has said he will take his Labor Party out of Olmert\'s governing coalition if he does not step down.
The Israeli PM denied claims that he took up to US$500,000 in bribes or illegal campaign donations.
Olmert who heads the Kadima Party, said the sums were legal campaign contributions.
He has previously said he has no plans to step aside unless he is charged.