Ehud Olmert demands end to unnecessary war in Gaza
- Ehud Olmert argues that the ongoing war in Gaza does not serve Israel's national interests.
- He calls for the immediate return of hostages and collaboration with neighboring countries to establish governance in Gaza.
- Olmert believes the military operations are unnecessary and insists the humanitarian needs must be prioritized.
In recent discussions, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressed his deep concerns regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He highlighted that the war was broadly recognized as not serving any national security interests for Israel, but rather appearing to serve the political goals of the current Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Olmert pointed out the tragic consequences of this conflict, noting the loss of soldiers, the danger faced by hostages, and the casualties among innocent Palestinians. He emphasized the necessity of acting humanely and responsibly, insisting that Israel must ensure the humanitarian needs of the population are met. Olmert stated that instead of prolonging the hostilities, Israel should work towards returning all hostages and collaborating with neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan as well as the United States and the United Arab Emirates. He called for a coordinated effort to establish a new government in Gaza that would succeed Hamas, urging for immediate actions to bring relief to the war-torn area. Furthermore, he acknowledged the complicated dynamics on the ground, emphasizing the need for effective provision of humanitarian aid amidst the chaos and military actions in Gaza. Additionally, Olmert questioned the judgment of Netanyahu’s support for a rival militia to Hamas, suggesting that if this militia could effectively assist in addressing humanitarian needs, it might be a viable strategy. However, he expressed concerns about the extremism present in Netanyahu's government, specifically naming two hardline ministers, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, and predicted that their continued prominence could invite responses from international allies, including actions from leaders like Emmanuel Macron. In conclusion, Olmert insists that the war must be brought to an end and criticized the motivations behind the ongoing conflict, advocating for a humanitarian approach to the situation in Gaza and a strategic pivot towards rebuilding governance and stability in the region.