Olmert Assassination Plot Foiled

A government spokeswoman was unable to immediately confirm the reports, which had no further details about how close the militants got to carrying out the plot. It also was not clear why the assassination plan was released 2 1/2 months after it was reported.

The meeting was Olmert's first with Abbas on Palestinian soil after seven years of bloody fighting, and the location was seen as significant as the content.

Israeli and Palestinian security forces worked together to protect the Israeli leader, and Abbas gained some stature by hosting Olmert. Every other meeting has been held at Olmert's Jerusalem residence.

© 2007