Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has openly criticised the current political leadership and military actions of Israel, asserting that he can no longer defend the country against claims of war crimes. Interviewed by CNN, Olmert, who served from 2006 to 2009, highlighted the extreme humanitarian blockade imposed on Gaza and the increasing death toll among Palestinians, questioning the morality of these actions by asking, "What is it if not a war crime?"
Olmert, who previously defended Israel amid accusations of genocide and ethnic cleansing, noted that he can no longer justify the ongoing military operations, particularly after the growing civilian casualties in Gaza. In a recent op-ed published in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, he described the situation as a "war of devastation" marked by indiscriminate violence against civilians. Since the war’s onset, reports indicate that over 54,000 Palestinians, including women and children, have been killed, while the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claim substantial losses among Hamas fighters.
He specifically directed his critique at current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and far-right ministers, asserting that their actions violate Israel’s moral integrity. Olmert believes the military operations are unjustified and do not serve the state’s interests, expressing his dismay at the government’s impact on Israel’s ethical standing. He remarked, “I hope that this government will disappear as soon as possible,” indicating widespread public dissatisfaction with the current leadership.
Polls suggest that a majority of Israelis support a comprehensive ceasefire to facilitate the release of hostages in Gaza and to halt further warfare. However, Netanyahu has remained steadfast in continuing military operations against Hamas. Olmert’s hopes for a resolution rest on the influence of US President Donald Trump, who he believes is one of the few capable of persuading Netanyahu to acknowledge the situation’s moral implications.
Overall, Olmert’s reflections underscore a growing desperation among some Israeli leaders about the direction of their government’s policies and the dire humanitarian consequences in Gaza.