Olmert said doctors told him the illness would not affect his ability to work, and therefore he saw no reason to resign.
At a surprise news conference in Jerusalem, Olmert said the cancer was at an early stage and he would not require radiation therapy at this time. He said he expected to need minor surgery.
Olmert, 62, took office in March 2006 after his predecessor, Ariel Sharon, suffered a ebilitating stroke. Sharon has not always been clear about his health situation, and analysts said that authorities had learned from that experience. While publishing medical records remain a sensitive issue in Israel, the prime minister deliberately choose a hastily arranged news conference to make his announcement.
DIFFICULT MOMENT
His health troubles some at a difficult moment in Mideast peacemaking, as a US-backed summit designed to re-launch long-stalled peace talks is scheduled within the next few weeks. Christian groups, including the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, have been following the situation in Israel closely, amid mounting concern about a possible armed conflict with neighboring Syria and a growing refugee crisis.
Israeli authorities have asked Christian groups to help them accomodate Sudanese refugees, many of whom are Christians. It was not immediately clear if or how Olmert’s illness would impact his ability to deal with these issues and his already troubled efforts to come up with a clear policy regarding Palestinians ahead of the US-backed peace conference, scheduled to take place in Annapolis, Md., in either November or December.
He has also been under pressure inside Israel after perceived military mistakes during the war against Hezbollah forces in Lebanon last year. However Olmert tried to play down concerns he may not be able to fully function as Israel’s leader. "The tumor is not life threatening in any way," he said. His doctors said the tumor is very treatable, shows no signs of spreading, and there is no urgency to remove it, Olmert added.
