Talansky told the court that most of the money he turned over at meetings in New York and Jerusalem was to cover Olmert's political activities over a 15-year period, but Olmert's assistant Shula Zaken would often ask for cash to cover unidentified personal expenses.

Talansky specifically mentioned that he met Olmert 10 times between 2002 and 2005, while Olmert was industry, trade and labor minister, and on each occasion, gave him envelopes of cash.

Talansky stressed, however, that he did not do it for personal gain.

Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert attends the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem May 25, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) 

"I had a very close relationship with him (Olmert) for over 16 years. The relationship was one of great admiration. I never expected anything from him and never received anything from him whatsoever," local daily Jerusalem Post quoted Talansky as saying.

Talansky said that as well as the money he gave Olmert out of his own pocket, he also raised at least 100,000 dollars for Olmert on behalf of various organizations.