Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of unnecessarily prolonging the war in Gaza and obstructing the path to peace, while the kidnapped hostages were left to die.

In a stinging condemnation, Olmert said in exclusive statements to the British newspaper The Independent that Netanyahu's arrogance and "manipulation" were the reason for catastrophic security failures, and this is what allowed the attack by the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on October 7, which led to the outbreak of the current conflict.

He also warned that the "messianic nationalists and right-wing extremists" whom the Prime Minister brought into the ruling coalition in Israel were obstructing the urgent need for a settlement, and had plans to purge the Palestinians of their vision of "Greater Israel."

Sharp criticism

The newspaper reported that Olmert's sharp criticism came at a time when Netanyahu rejected the latest international attempt at a ceasefire, declaring that the war would continue until complete victory.

Olmert told the British newspaper, "Israel has received tremendous support from Western leaders, from Rishi Sunak in Britain, from Olaf Schulz in Germany, from Emmanuel Macron in France, and of course from Joe Biden, whom I know well."

He added: "They have faced opposition to this support from some people at home. How long will they be able to continue this support if this Israeli government does not open even a narrow window for what may eventually become a peace agreement that ends this war?"

Olmert says there must be a ceasefire followed by all possible efforts to rescue the hostages who are still being held. He considered it foolish to do so and continue the “military campaign” which was no longer defensible while the hostages (prisoners) remained in captivity; It would be "absolutely unforgivable" and something Israel will never forget.

Hide the government's failure

Olmert indicated that Netanyahu is trying to hide his government's failure to prevent a Hamas attack by continuing military action, which clearly does not achieve its goals.

He added that Netanyahu is trying to pretend that this never happened. He talks about destroying Hamas and removing it from existence, and this is not humanly possible and cannot be achieved. It is impossible to destroy an organization hiding underground in the world's most crowded urban centers surrounded by civilians.

Even when the war ends, Netanyahu seems determined to pursue policies that will cause serious harm to Israel, according to Olmert.

Olmert said: "Israel should not maintain an occupying army in Gaza. This would be a very grave mistake. What should happen is the presence of an international force with a strong Western presence there. There are plans by people in this government to control the West Bank as well. Do we really want to impose occupation?" On 5 million Palestinians and depriving them of basic human rights, freedom of expression, and freedom of movement.

Olmert continued: "I know that the tide of public opinion turned against the idea of a Palestinian state after the Hamas attack. But I believe that people will reconcile in a relatively short time to the need for a Palestinian state; there is no alternative to this that can succeed." He pointed out that Netanyahu, who is now criticizing the withdrawal from Gaza, had voted in favor of it.

Source: Independent