Mysterious airstrike boosts Olmert's popularity
A reported airstrike in northern Syria that Israel has not acknowledged has led to a big boost in Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s approval rating, a new opinion poll shows.
The Dahaf Research Institute said 35% of people questioned were pleased with Olmert’s performance, up from 25% on September 7 – just after reports of the airstrike emerged.
One fifth of the respondents said the operation improved their opinion of Olmert while 70% said their opinion remain unchanged, according to the poll.
Israel has clamped a news blackout on the raid, which Syria announced on September 6 and US officials have confirmed.
Foreign media reports have suggested Israel struck a nuclear facility in Syria built with North Korean technology, or Iranian arms destined for Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas.
Olmert’s approval ratings have been battered over the past year by last summer’s flawed war against Hezbollah and a series of corruption allegations.
In March, he declared himself to be an unpopular leader, but insisted he would continue to lead.
