Israeli police recommend former Prime Minister Olmert should stand trial for corruption

Israel police: Former PM Olmert should stand trial

JERUSALEM — Israeli police have recommended that former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stand trial on corruption charges for his role in a real estate deal during his time as Jerusalem mayor a decade ago.

Police said on Monday that Olmert is suspected of fraud, breach of trust and taking bribes to promote an apartment project in the city.

Olmert has denied any wrongdoing but stepped down last year to battle the charges. His spokesman, Amir Dan, calls the allegations “baseless.”

A police recommendation is standard practice in Israel and usually the first step before an indictment.

Olmert is currently on trial on separate charges of accepting illicit funds from an American supporter and double-billing Jewish groups for trips abroad, also before he became prime minister.