CRAWFORD, Texas (AFP) - The White House said Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's legal woes were an internal matter that will not affect US President George W. Bush's Middle East trip next week.

"This is a matter for the Israeli judicial system," spokesman Gordon Johndroe said in a statement as the US president was on his Texas ranch.

Bush, due to leave for Israel on Tuesday, "looks forward to traveling to the Middle East next week to continue to encourage the Israelis and Palestinians to work together for a two state solution," said Johndroe.

Asked whether Olmert's situation would affect the president's five-day trip, which also takes him to Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Johndroe replied that there were "no changes to the schedule," that Bush "will go to Israel" and "will meet with Olmert."

His comments came after Olmert denied allegations of bribery but said he would resign if charged in a case that threatens to shake up the nation's political landscape.

The allegations against the 62-year-old premier were unveiled after the justice ministry lifted a gag-order in the case, which has been the subject of intense rumors and media speculation for days.

The scandal has cast a cloud over Olmert's future just as Israel marks its 60th birthday.

Bush was on his ranch for a long weekend anchored on his daughter Jenna's wedding on Saturday.

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