Israeli Politics

JERUSALEM (AP) — Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, crippled by a series of corruption investigations, announced he would resign Sunday, clearing the way for his foreign minister to try to succeed him as Israel's next leader. The prime minister's office said Olmert would submit an official letter of resignation to President Shimon Peres later Sunday, freeing the president to formally tap Tzipora Malka "Tzipi" Livni to try to put together a new government. Weeks ago, Olmert promised to step down after his governing Kadima Party elected a new chief to replace him. Livni, a rival of Olmert's, won that race last week by a narrow margin, but that victory did not assure her the premiership. As prime minister, Livni would be expected to pursue a moderate and pragmatic course in peacemaking with the Palestinians and Syria. She will become Israel's first female prime minister since Golda Meir stepped down in 1974.