Diet King Denies Slim Fast Bribes

He explained that Abraham once made a contribution of $50,000 to NJF by successfully bidding on a mosaic lion artwork at a charity auction in Florida in 2004. "The entire sum went to finance Tzamid, a project for children with disabilities in Jerusalem," Raviv explained.

Raviv's wife, Sheila, refuted recent reports that Talansky bribed Olmert to install speed bumps on a street near the home of Talansky's son in Jerusalem. "They don't mention the fact that it's the chief rabbi's house -- that's why there are speed bumps in the street."

Abraham, who is already back in the offices of his foundation in Palm Beach was not available for comment.

Talansky, who denied trying to bribe Olmert and told reporters he believed all contributions were legal, is scheduled to give a court deposition May 25. And he told police officers that he feared the prime minister would "send someone to harm him," according to state prosecutor Moshe Lador.

Olmert has denied all the allegations.

Earlier this week, Sheldon Adelson, a billionaire casino mogul from Las Vegas, was also questioned by police about his ties to Talansky.

The tycoon, a top Republican fundraiser, was the chief moneyman behind the Freedom's Watch organization, which spent millions last summer to promote the Bush administration's troop surge in Iraq.

At a gala celebrating Israel's 60th anniversary Wednesday night, Adelson sat in the front row next to President Bush, Laura Bush, Olmert and other top officials. He preceded Bush to the stage, praising him as "the most supportive" president Israel has ever known.

Adelson has played an active role in Israeli politics, publishing the free conservative newspaper Yisrael Hayom that's delivered to many homes in the country. Ironically, he is supporting former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is a contender to replace Olmert.

A spokesperson for Adelson confirmed that he had been contacted by authorities to offer his insights into the investigation and that Adelson told him his involvement amounts to "a tempest in a teapot."