Israel's defense minister issued a tough ultimatum to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Wednesday, saying he would use his considerable power to topple the coalition government if the Israeli leader does not step aside to face corruption allegations.The comments by Ehud Barak increased the growing pressure on Olmert to resign in the wake of a U.S. businessman's court testimony that painted Olmert as a money hungry politician with a love for luxury. It also cast doubt on Israel's efforts to reach peace with Syria and the Palestinians.
Olmert has denied any wrongdoing and said he would resign only if he is indicted.
At a news conference, Barak said if Olmert does not step down, he will take his Labor party out of the governing coalition and set new elections. He said Olmert could suspend himself, resign or even go on vacation, and promised to continue to cooperate with a new leader from Olmert's Kadima Party.
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