Israeli police to quiz Olmert next week

Occupied Jerusalem: Israeli police plan to question Prime Minister Ehud Olmert next week as part of an investigation that could force the Israeli leader out of office, officials said on Friday.

A government official said Olmert's office has agreed to allot two hours for the August 2 session, less time than police had requested.

It would be the fourth round of questioning in a case probing allegations Olmert took bribes from a US businessman and whether he made duplicate claims for travel expenses.

The political turmoil could derail US-backed peace talks between Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Olmert's lawyers this week wrapped up five days of cross-examination of US fund raiser Morris Talansky who has alleged that he gave the Israeli leader cash-filled envelopes.

Talansky's cross-examination will resume on August 31 and September 1.