Olmert had been sentenced in May 2014 to six years in prison on two separate charges of taking bribes in the early 2000s.

Israeli former prime minister Ehud Olmert, who begins serving a prison sentence in February for corruption, struck a deal Monday with the prosecution to avoid another jail term, radio said.

Public radio said Olmert’s lawyer reached the agreement on behalf of the 70-year-old with the prosecutor general who had accused Olmert of obstructing justice.

According to the report, Olmert had tried to persuade his former secretary Shula Zacken not to testify against him in the corruption case and offered her money in exchange for her silence.

Zacken had made a secret recording of his attempt.

The prosecutor agreed Monday that Olmert will concurrently serve six months for obstructing justice with his 18-month sentence for corruption, radio said.

Olmert had been sentenced in May 2014 to six years in prison on two separate charges of taking bribes in the early 2000s in connection with the construction of Jerusalem’s massive Holyland residential complex.

But in December the Supreme Court reduced his sentence to 18 months in prison and acquitted him of one of the charges.

The prison term – the first time a former Israeli prime minister goes to jail – is due to begin on February 15.

However, Olmert is expected to appear before the Supreme Court again on Tuesday for an appeal in a separate case.

The Jerusalem District Court in May sentenced Olmert to eight months in prison for fraud and corruption following a retrial over allegations that he had received envelopes of cash from a US businessman while trade and industry minister.

Related articles across the web

• Former 'Saved by the Bell' star Dustin Diamond to start prison sentence
• Dustin Diamond to Start Prison Sentence
• Man who embezzled from local puppy mill sentenced
• Boxer Antonio Escalante accused of violating probation
• Forged Passport Refugee Let Off
• Ex-Subway spokesman Jared Fogle transferred to federal prison in Colorado
• Is Jenelle Evans' Ex Courtland Rogers Getting Married Following Prison Sentence?!
• Heroin dealer avoids jail time for overdose death
• Ex-Subway pitchman Jared Fogle to serve prison sentence in Colorado
• Former investment advisor pleads guilty, expecting 7-year prison sentence