Former Israeli Prime Minister sentenced for breech of trust

By Sarah Barchus

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was sentenced on Monday to a one-year suspended prison term and a fine, The New York Times reported.

The Jerusalem District court ordered Olmert to pay about $19,000, but he will not serve jail time unless he commits the same crime within a three-year period, the Cable News Network reported.

Olmert said he respected the court's decision and would learn the lessons, the New York Times reported.

"Today, I leave here with my head held high," Olmert said.

Olmert was the first Israeli prime minister to be convicted of a criminal offense, the New York Times reported. He was found guilty in July of breach of trust but was acquitted on two corruption-related charges, CNN reported.

Olmert is facing another corruption case which charges him with taking bribes while he was mayor of Jerusalem, the New York Times reported.

Olmert resigned from the office of prime minister in August 2008 after the Israeli police recommended he stand trial, CNN reported. However, on Monday the court cleared Olmert to run for political office.