Ehud Olmert is the 12th and current Prime Minister of Israel. Olmert became Interim Prime Minister on April 14, 2006 but had been exercising the powers of the office as Acting Prime Minister since they were transferred to him on January 4, 2006 after Ariel Sharon suffered a severe hemorrhagic stroke. His position as head of government was confirmed upon the formation of the 31st government on 4 May 2006.