Ehud Olmert has tendered his resignation has Israeli prime minister, following Tzipi Livni’s election last week as new leader of the Kadima Party. Olmert had promised this summer to step down as soon as a new leader for his party, would be chosen. On Sunday, Olmert submitted a letter to Israeli president Shimon Peres that formally sets in motion the process of choosing a new premier. Livni has already begun meeting with politicians from rival parties, trying to build a majority in the 120-member Knesset, and she is expected to be formally asked by Peres to form a new government. However, Olmert will remain in office as caretaker PM until a new government receives parliamentary approval.
