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Israeli PM to free up to 150 prisoners, officials say

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  • Israeli leader will free Palestinian prisoners as confidence-building gesture
  • Agreement comes after Israeli leader meets with Palestinian president
  • Prisoners will be released by August 25, official says
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JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert agreed Wednesday to release between 120 and 150 Palestinian prisoners by the end of the month, officials told CNN.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will release the prisoners as a goodwill gesture, a spokesman said.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will release the prisoners as a goodwill gesture, a spokesman said.

Olmert, after meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, agreed to release the prisoners as a goodwill and confidence-building gesture, Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev said.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat said the prisoners will be released by August 25.

Asked if the group of prisoners will include jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti, Erakat said the Palestinians raised his name but Olmert would not commit to releasing him.

Last week, Olmert announced he will resign in September when his Kadima party elects a new leader during its party primary.

The Israeli leader, in announcing his intention to step down, cited "a wave of investigations and criticism" at the hands of his political opponents.

"I am not doing this out of a feeling that I cannot do my job. ... I believe in my ability to continue," he said at his official residence.

"When forced to choose between my own personal standing and considerations that relate to the welfare of the state, it is the latter that will take precedence."

There has been a slew of inquiries into allegations against Olmert. He denies any wrongdoing and has never been convicted of a crime.

In June, Israeli lawmakers reached a deal that will allow Olmert to stay in power for a few more months. In exchange, Olmert's party agreed to hold primary elections by September 17.

No date has been set for general elections, which will have to be held by sometime next year.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said Olmert's resignation will not affect efforts to reach a Mideast peace deal before the end of the year.

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