Sharon: I am not going to quit over ‘graft’ scandal

Israeli PM Ariel Sharon said on Thursday he had no intention of resigning as prosecutors considered indicting him over allegations a busines...

Israeli PM Ariel Sharon said on Thursday he had no intention of resigning as prosecutors considered indicting him over allegations a businessman friend bribed him.

But an opinion poll suggested that if charges were brought, the former general who made a remarkable political comeback from controversy over bloodshed in Lebanon two decades ago may have little choice but to bow to public pressure and step down.

‘‘I am not about to resign,’’ Sharon was quoted as telling the Yedioth Aharonoth daily after a Tel Aviv court charged property developer and political kingmaker David Appel with trying to bribe him.

Story continues below this ad

The case against Appel relates to a period in the 1990s when Sharon was foreign minister and also involves the Israeli leader’s son, Gilad, and Vice PM Ehud Olmert.

Appel has asserted his innocence in the case, which has yet to show evidence Sharon knowingly accepted money for political favours. Any charges against Sharon could be weeks or months away, a Justice Ministry source said.

Sharon, 75, has denied wrongdoing and vowed to cooperate with investigators.

‘‘If the question is whether recent developments are liable to bring about my resignation, the answer is no,’’ Sharon, whose term runs to 2007, said.

Story continues below this ad

‘‘I do not intend to resign and am certain of my ability to complete the current term in office.’’ — (Reuters)