Former Israeli Prime Minister: “We are Close to a War Crime in Gaza”

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is sounding the alarm. In an interview with the BBC, he warns that Israel’s current military actions in Gaza are teetering on the edge of international law. “What Israel is doing now in Gaza is very close to a war crime,” Olmert stated – a comment that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape both within and outside of Israel.

“A War Without Purpose”

Olmert, who was in power from 2006 to 2009, expressed deep concern over what he views as a destructive and purposeless military campaign.

He criticized Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for waging “a war with no chance of achieving anything that could save the hostages’ lives.”

According to Olmert, the campaign leaves a clear impression that Israel “is killing many Palestinians,” which he called “repulsive and insane.”

In his view, the government lacks clarity in communication: “We are fighting against Hamas murderers, we are not fighting against innocent civilians,” he emphasized, calling for clearer distinctions in practice.

Offensive Defended by Netanyahu Ally

Concurrently with Olmert’s startling remarks, Michael Kleiner – a member of Likud and chairman of the party’s internal court – defended Israel’s strategy in Gaza.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4, he stressed that Hamas itself holds the key to peace: “The moment Hamas decides to stop, it stops.” He urged critics to focus on Hamas and their rejection of peace proposals.

Kleiner further claimed that aid is deliberately blocked by Hamas.

According to him, it is not Israel, but Hamas, that is the real enemy of the people. He argued that international criticism lacks an understanding of the complexity of the situation and drew a significant historical parallel.

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