In a candid interview with CNN on Wednesday, former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert stated that he can no longer justify Israel’s actions in the face of allegations of war crimes.
Olmert said his intensifying disapproval of Israel’s leadership stems from its failure to articulate any plan for what lies ahead. “A lack of any vision for what comes next. What are we going to do in order to end the war, release the hostages, and start to move it towards some kind of political horizon?” he said.
Pointing to controversial statements made recently by members of Israel’s government, Olmert highlighted remarks such as, “We should starve Gaza.”
“What is it if not a war crime?” Olmert asked, citing those comments and Israel’s ongoing suspension of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza that began on March 2.
He went further, accusing Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and his administration of carrying out conduct that, in his view, is indefensible. “Committing actions which can’t be interpreted any other way,” he said.
Addressing Israel’s recent widening of its military campaign in Gaza—a move Netanyahu said was necessary to regain full control of the region and stop Hamas from seizing aid—Olmert pushed back. “We have to make sure that no uninvolved people in Gaza are hurt because of this expansion of military operations, which is entirely unjustified and does not serve any important interest of the State of Israel at this point.”
Olmert also voiced his desire to see the current coalition step down, telling CNN that he believes public sentiment is shifting. “I believe the majority of Israelis are sick and tired of these policies, these statements, and the terrible damage this government has caused to the moral integrity of the state and its people.”
When the conversation turned to international influence, Olmert shared his view that President Donald Trump is uniquely positioned to intervene and bring about an end to the conflict. “I really certainly think that he is the only person, perhaps, that can force the Israeli prime minister to come to terms with reality and with the moral reality of what is being accomplished by this government,” he said.
Asked about the potential for Netanyahu to initiate a military strike on Iran if diplomacy breaks down, Olmert offered a measured response. “You have to distinguish between what he can do and what he says.”
He concluded the interview with a statement of optimism about diplomatic efforts. “I still believe that there is a good chance that President Trump will succeed in his negotiations.” He added that while Iran is a serious concern for Israel and the global community, “there is no one better aware of this and more prepared to deal with it than President Trump.”
{Matzav.com Israel}