Olmert denies taking illegal funds

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says he never took illegal campaign contributions, denying allegations in a police investigation. But he says if he´s indicted, he´ll resign.

Olmert made a statement late Thursday at his official residence after a gag order was lifted from the case. According to police suspicions, Olmert accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal contributions from a U.S. citizen, Moshe Talansky.

In a statement broadcast live on local TV and radio stations, Olmert said a lawyer handled his finances, and everything was legal. "I never took bribes, I never took a penny for myself," he said.

He said he would not fight to stay in office if he is charged. "If I am indicted, I will resign my post," he said.