Israel's Olmert faces more pressure to resign

Occupied Jerusalem: Pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has increased, with the foreign minister saying an early election is possible.

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni Livni said on Thursday that Kadima should start preparing for "any scenario", including an early general election and an internal leadership vote.

Olmert, who has faced interrogation for bribery charges, has made clear through aides that he has no intention of stepping down.

Widely regarded as a top candidate to replace Olmert, Livni did not call for Olmert to step down but said "values and norms" must be upheld in Israeli politics.