Barak Calls News Conference in Olmert Bribery Case

Barak may call on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to step aside after the latest testimony in a bribery case.

Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak called a news conference on Wednesday, raising speculation he may call on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to step aside after the latest testimony in a bribery case.

A spokeswoman for Barak declined to comment on the topic of the news conference, due to convene in Israel's parliament at 1:30 p.m. (1030 GMT). Barak's Labour Party is the largest partner in Olmert's fragile coalition government and any pullout could trigger new elections.