JERUSALEM, May 8 (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert convened a late-night news conference at short notice on Thursday as speculation swirled that a police investigation into his affairs would increase pressure on him to resign.

An aide said Olmert would speak to journalists at his Jerusalem residence some time after 10 p.m. (1900 GMT), as most Israelis were still celebrating Independence Day and the 60th anniversary of the foundation of their state.

Judicial officials had been meeting throughout the evening to debate whether to lift a sweeping media gag order that has prevented the reporting of details of the probe this week. Olmert was questioned by police last Friday.

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