Former Israeli PM Olmert Denounces Gaza Conflict: “What is it if not a war crime?”
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has sharply criticized the current political leadership and military actions in Israel. In a recent interview with CNN, he expressed his inability to defend Israel against accusations of war crimes. Olmert, who served from 2006 to 2009, highlighted the ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the rising death toll among Palestinians.
A Rhetorical Question on War Crimes
“What is it if not a war crime?” Olmert asked rhetorically during the interview. He accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and far-right government members of committing actions that cannot be justified. Since the war began, Olmert has defended Israel against claims of genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza. He previously asserted that Israel does not deliberately target civilians, especially women and children.
However, after 19 months of conflict, Olmert believes he can no longer maintain that defense. Following the publication of his op-ed in Haaretz, he stated, “What we are doing in Gaza now is a war of devastation.” He described the military actions as indiscriminate, limitless, cruel, and criminal against civilians. CNN has reached out to the Prime Minister’s Office for a response to Olmert’s statements.
Rising Casualties in Gaza
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, over 54,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since the war began. This figure includes at least 28,000 women and children. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported in January that they had killed more than 20,000 Hamas fighters. Olmert emphasized the need to protect uninvolved civilians in Gaza from military operations, which he deemed unjustified. “I think that we have to make sure that no uninvolved people in Gaza are hurt,” he said.
Olmert directed most of his criticism toward Netanyahu and far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. He expressed hope that this government would soon disappear, stating, “I believe that the majority of Israelis are sick and tired of these policies.” He lamented the damage this government has caused to Israel’s moral integrity.
Polls indicate that most Israelis support a comprehensive ceasefire agreement. This agreement would involve the release of the remaining 58 hostages held in Gaza and an end to the ongoing conflict. Despite this, Netanyahu has refused to commit to a ceasefire, insisting that military operations will continue until Hamas is defeated.
Hope for Change Through Trump
Like many hostage families who have lost faith in Netanyahu, Olmert looks to U.S. President Donald Trump for assistance in ending the war. He believes Trump is one of the few individuals capable of compelling Netanyahu to confront the reality of the situation. “I really certainly think that he is the only person perhaps that can force the Israeli prime minister to come to terms with reality,” Olmert concluded.
