Ehud Olmert was born in Binyamina in 1945. He graduated from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem with degrees in psychology, philosophy and law. He served in the Golani Brigade in the IDF and was wounded in both the arm and leg, completing his service as a military correspondent. He returned to service as a volunteer during the Lebanon War. He was elected to the Knesset in 1973 and served on various committees. In 1988 he was appointed Minister without Portfolio (minority affairs), and Minister of Health in 1990. Olmert was elected Mayor of Jerusalem in 1993 and oversaw major infrastructure developments in the city including the light rail. He resigned from Knesset in 1998 and when re-elected in 2003, he resigned as Mayor. He served as Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor and Communications, then as Acting Minister of Finance and Minister of Finance (2005). Olmert was named Acting Prime Minister when Ariel Sharon suffered a stroke in 2006. Four months later he became Interim Prime Minister. Following Kadima’s win in the 2006 elections, Olmert became Prime Minister and served for three years, during which time he was invited to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress and presided over the Second Lebanon War (2006) and the Gaza War (Operation Cast Lead) (2009). He resigned from office to fight multiple charges and allegations of corruption, tax evasion, breach of trust and obstruction of justice. He was convicted of several crimes committed while Mayor and while Minister of Trade.