Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has delivered a sharp rebuke of the ongoing military operations in Gaza led by his successor, Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. In an interview with “Der Spiegel”, Olmert stated, “It’s enough. We’ve killed enough, we’ve destroyed enough” suggesting Israel’s objectives have already been achieved, “at the latest with the killing of Yahya Sinwar” the Hamas leader in Gaza, in October 2024.
Olmert characterized the continued conflict as not only strategically unproductive but also described it as “an illegitimate war being waged due to the personal political interests of the Prime Minister”. He accused Netanyahu of committing “crimes against the State of Israel and the Israeli people” and advocated for his prosecution, specifically within Israel’s legal system, not at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Expressing concern over Israel’s standing on the international stage, Olmert lamented the loss of international support following the breakdown of a ceasefire in March 2025, a development he claims has undermined Israel’s legitimacy. He further suggested that numerous events unfolding in Gaza could be classified as war crimes.
Regarding the handling of hostages held by Hamas, Olmert criticized Israel’s response following the events of October 7, 2023, when approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 were abducted, calling it a moral and security policy failure. He asserted that Israel had the opportunity to exchange all hostages prior to the ground offensive and that domestic political pressures prevented consideration of that option.
Olmert also vehemently opposed plans by the Israeli government to construct a designated “humanitarian city” in southern Gaza intended to facilitate the emigration of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. He condemned the proposal as “a disgusting plan” reminiscent of concentration camps and a potential crime.
He proposes an internationally administered interim government in Gaza, ultimately envisioning a long-term two-state solution. Olmert believes that a tangible shift in Israeli public opinion is necessary-one driven by the daily consequences of the lack of a sustainable resolution. He cautioned that international boycotts are a distinct possibility, adding, “I am not calling for anything. I only fear that it will happen”.
