Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to urge Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu to halt the ongoing war in Gaza. In an interview in Paris, Olmert described the continuation of the conflict as a “crime” and emphasized that a two-state solution is the only path to lasting peace.
“President Trump should tell Netanyahu ‘enough is enough’,” said Olmert, who served as Israel’s prime minister from 2006 to 2009. He asserted that the United States holds significant influence over the Israeli government and that Trump has the power to “make a difference.”
Olmert criticized Netanyahu’s leadership, stating that he “failed completely” by not preventing the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, the Palestinian militant group. While the international community initially recognized Israel’s right to self-defense following the attack, Olmert noted that perceptions shifted when Netanyahu rejected opportunities to end the war in March and instead escalated military operations.
“Netanyahu has his personal interests which are prioritized over what may be the national interests,” Olmert remarked. He expressed concern over the rising casualties on both sides. “If there is a war which is not going to save hostages, which cannot really eradicate more of what they did already against Hamas, and if, as a result of this, soldiers are getting killed, hostages maybe get killed, and innocent Palestinians are killed, then to my mind this is a crime.”
Despite expressions of concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the United States remains Israel’s key ally, using its veto power at the United Nations Security Council and approving billions of dollars in arms sales.
In an effort to advance peace initiatives, France and Saudi Arabia are co-hosting a meeting later this month in New York to discuss steps toward recognizing a Palestinian state.
