Tel Aviv  - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert congratulated Tzipi Livni on her projected victory in Wednesday's primary for Israel's ruling Kadima party.

Olmert telephoned Livni, wished her success and promised his full cooperation with the 50-year-old foreign minister who is to succeed him as party leader, and as prime minister if she succeeds in forming a new coalition.

The two also agreed to meet, a statement from his office said. Olmert agreed to allow his party to elect a new leader because he is under investigation over alleged corruption. He has pledged to resign to allow his successor to form a new government. If he or she fails to form a new coalition, new elections are expected by March, a year early.

Exit polls broadcast by Israel's three main television channels predicted Livni would win the primary with 47-49 per cent of the vote, against some 37 per cent for her main rival, Shaul Mofaz. (dpa)