The cross examination of a key witness in a corruption inquiry involving the Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has entered its final day. Accused of accepting cash stuffed envelopes from US businessman Morris Talansky. Olmert denies any wrong-doing.

Hotly tipped as a replacement to Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni spoke of her concern regarding the allegations. “The strong leadership needed should be expressed mainly in the resilience required from each elected leader, not only with the dramas, but with daily temptations as well. Anyone who’s part of the political playing field understands that the corruption talked about is a kind of weakness,” she said.

Olmert’s lawyers claim to have highlighted several inconsistencies in Talansky’s evidence. His testimony could prove key to any decision to indict Olmert for corruption.

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