This transcript features an interview with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who has publicly condemned Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza, labeling its actions as "war crimes" in a recent op-ed. Olmert explains his shift from initial support for the counteroffensive following October 7th to his current condemnation, arguing that Israel has achieved its military objectives and the continued war is now politically motivated by the prime minister, endangering Israeli soldiers, hostages, and non-involved Palestinians. While he acknowledges tragic civilian casualties and "serious mistakes," "negligence," and "arrogance," he explicitly refutes the notion that Israel's actions constitute genocide and does not attribute complicity to the U.S. He advocates for an immediate end to the war, securing hostage release, establishing a new security force in Gaza involving Arab nations and the Palestinian Authority, and re-engaging in peace negotiations for a two-state solution. Olmert believes a majority of Israelis now share his sentiment that "enough is enough," suggesting a political shift towards early elections.
Summarizing the Interview with Ehud Olmert:
0:00 - 0:17: Introduction to Ehud Olmert's Stance: The interview begins by introducing Ehud Olmert, Israel's former Prime Minister (2006-2009), who has recently published a scathing op-ed in Haaretz titled "Enough is enough. Israel is committing war crimes," a significant condemnation from a former leader.
0:29 - 1:19: Reaction to Gaza Aid Incident: Olmert expresses concern over the recent incident where Israeli forces opened fire near a food distribution site in southern Gaza, resulting in dozens of deaths. He describes the aid distribution as being "in a little chaos" and calls for more effective management, stating there was no intent to kill but acknowledging that such incidents happen in chaos and "it has to be changed."
1:24 - 3:49: Shift in Stance and Reasons for Condemnation: Olmert supported Israel's initial counteroffensive after October 7th as "inevitable." However, after 20 months, he believes the military operation has achieved its goals, and continuing the war is now "like a private war of the prime minister, trying to somehow escape from the possible ramifications of ending the war now because of political considerations." He feels an obligation to speak out, stating that a majority of Israelis believe "enough is enough," emphasizing the need to stop the war, bring back hostages, and pursue a two-state solution.
3:49 - 4:30: Definition of War Crimes: Olmert defines the "war crimes" as "running a war which is widely perceived to be illegitimate and unacceptable and nothing that is compatible to the national security interests of the state of Israel." He cites endangering the lives of Israeli hostages, soldiers, and non-involved Palestinians as central to this charge.
4:30 - 5:20: U.S. Complicity: Olmert states he does not believe the U.S. bears responsibility or is complicit, clarifying that his accusation of "crime" applies to Israel's current actions, "not in the past," and he primarily holds the Israeli government responsible for its "mistakes."
5:20 - 6:06: Rejection of "Genocide" Label: Despite strong criticism, Olmert firmly rejects the term "genocide," stating, "don't push it far too far." He acknowledges "serious mistakes and negligence and arrogance" leading to "unjustified and unnecessary" casualties but asserts there is no policy in Israel aiming for genocide.
6:07 - 7:27: Recommended Approach and Post-War Gaza: Olmert believes Israel has "achieved everything the military operation can achieve," including eliminating most Hamas leadership and destroying infrastructure. He proposes ending the war, releasing hostages as part of an agreement involving Palestinian prisoners, and pulling out from Gaza. He suggests a multi-national security force comprising Palestinians, Egyptians, Jordanians, Emiratis, and Saudis to prevent Hamas's resurgence, along with generously providing for Gaza's humanitarian needs.
7:28 - 8:28: Credibility and Moral Authority: Addressing concerns about his past criminal conviction, Olmert argues that his experience and record as prime minister, especially in security, give him not only the right but the "obligation" to speak out, noting that many media outlets still invite him for his opinions.
8:28 - 10:19: Reception in Israel and Political Will: Olmert acknowledges mixed reception in Israel, with some disliking his views and others fully supporting them. He links the current crisis to the broader "judicial revolution" and widespread protests, predicting that the government will not be able to carry on and will face early elections due to unprecedented polarization caused by Prime Minister Netanyahu. He re-emphasizes that the public perceives the war as not serving national security interests and endangering hostages, making it an "illegitimate campaign that must be stopped."