Olmert nominates himself to Likud's chairmanship

Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert announced his intention to nominate himself for chairmanship of Israel's right-wing Likud party.

Outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu has resigned after he was defeated in the recent elections, and he appointed Ariel Sharon as the temporary leader of the party.

Olmert's candidacy came at a time when the party is suffering from disruption, disorder and intense weakness after the defeat it experienced, which gave the party a great need to rebuild.

Olmert said that the deterioration of the party is related to the policies adopted by its outgoing leader, Netanyahu, leading the party's members to join other parties.

He also said that first of all, the Likud party will work to restore its supporters and its political life.

Olmert is considered one of the strongest nominees for the Likud's chairmanship because he has been a deputy in the Israeli parliament for 25 years and head of municipality for six years.