Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has expressed hope that U.S. President Donald Trump will take firmer action regarding Israel and articulate his expectations with greater clarity. In an interview with the German newspaper “Tagesspiegel”, Olmert suggested he anticipates a shift in the U.S. approach.
Olmert stated that President Trump possesses the influence to encourage a change in direction from the current Israeli leadership. He proposed a direct engagement, suggesting Trump should “summon Prime Minister Netanyahu to Washington again and clearly tell him: ‘Bibi, enough. Stop it immediately.’
Olmert questioned the assertion, frequently made following Israel’s recent military successes against Hamas and its strategic infrastructure, that the Gaza Strip poses an existential threat to the State of Israel. He argued that such claims are unfounded, noting a growing sentiment within the Israeli population against the ongoing conflict.
“The war now serves only the political needs of Prime Minister Netanyahu” Olmert contended. He further characterized the current Israeli actions in Gaza as “a political private war” deeming it “a crime”. The former Prime Minister’s comments reflect increasing concern regarding the trajectory of the conflict and its potential ramifications.
