JERUSALEM -- Israeli police have dropped a criminal investigation into a real estate deal by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

The decision comes just days before Olmert leaves office.

Olmert had been suspected of buying a Jerusalem home at a steep discount in exchange for favors to the builder. The alleged deal occurred while Olmert was Jerusalem mayor, years before he became prime minister in 2006.

A series of corruption investigations led Olmert to announce his resignation last September. Following national elections on Feb. 10, he is set to step down next week.

Several criminal probes remain open against him, and the attorney general has said he plans to file charges in at least two cases.

Olmert has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

© 2009 The Associated Presshttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/26/AR2009032601219_pf.html