Ex-Israeli PM to be jailed

Israeli former prime minister Ehud Olmert, convicted of corruption and obstruction of justice, will be sent to prison on Monday, the first former head of government to be jailed in the history of the country.

Olmert, 70, was sentenced to 19 months in a prison on the outskirts of Tel Aviv, where other politicians have been imprisoned, including several ministers as well as former Israeli president Moshe Katsav, who was charged with sexual offences, EFE news reported.

Olmert was previously sentenced to 18 months in prison last December for taking bribes over the Holyland affair, complex of luxury apartments in Jerusalem which was approved during his time as mayor between 1993 and 2003.

The former premier, who led Israel from 2006 to 2009, is still involved in two other cases, including the so-called Talansky case, in which he was convicted and sentenced to eight other months in prison.

Accordingly, the Supreme Court considers that Olmert stay in prison could see further extensions.

Unlike other prisoners, Olmert will not have contact with many of the inmates.

Olmert will be placed in the so-called Ward 10 or the "VIP wing" at the Ma'asiyahu Prison.

Prison officials told Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot that Olmert will receive a special security treatment to ensure that he cannot escape, and for security reasons as well.