Ehud Olmert: Israel lives the deepest internal crisis in its history

Roberto Cityra – Jerusalem

There is an extraordinary thing in the passion, clarity and vitality that former Israeli minister, Ehud Olmert, argues, in 79 years, his firm political convictions about the current situation of Israel and the Middle East. Clarity and passion reminds another person. Indeed, Olmert begins his speech today, in his office to Tel Aviv, where the Vatican media says: “I completely agree with Pope Francis. The Catholic Church has a great leader, the only true world leader who supports peace and new humanity.

President Olmert, what happens in Israel?

What happens is that our country is going through the deepest internal crisis of its entire history. This is the impact of polarization, which can be visible all over the world, but here in our country, the Benjamin Netanyahu government and its extremist allies from the religious nationalist right. I tell you the truth, electrocratic and Israeli, I feel a deep shame every time I hear the words of the arrogant ministers and the threat to ministers Itamar bin Ghafir and Bazzalel Soutrich.

When he talks about a deep crisis, does he refer to the ongoing demonstrations in Jerusalem, Will Aib?

Yes, but not only for them. It is clear that at this stage most Israelis want the end of the war, the return of the hostages and the end of the Netanyahu government. This government is a minority in the country. But there is also a deep crisis in institutions. Let us think about the issue of appointments: Netanyahu does not stop changing ministers, generals, and judges in the will, as if the state was the thing. Always look for a more loyal person. Let’s think, for example, the issue of change in the Dome of Secret Services.

First, the head of the Shane’s bet, Ronin Bar, was considering naming a person who was more loyal, and then a picture appeared in the media in which the appointed appointed in a demonstration against the government was seen, and after three hours this date was also rejected. Or think of the law that limits the powers of the judiciary and the Supreme Court. Or the issue that led to the arrest of assistants of the Prime Minister, called “Qatar”. Or for threats against freedom of the press, the privatization that was ventilated for the public TV channel “KAN 11”. Or to stubbornness to refuse to establish an independent investigation committee on October 7. Netanyahu sees enemies everywhere.

All this is reflected in the Gaza war, which continues unabated and is still charged …

Yes. Unfortunately, there is no way out. Even the first letters of Danald Trump have disappeared. I think, and I hope, that Trump sooner or later – who is not counted between the virtues of patience – will get tired of protecting this government. At the present time, Netanyahu is still stuck in Trump for a simple reason: he is the only person to listen to, in the rest of the world he does not trust him and the way Israel prevails. But it is really difficult to make predictions.

On the other hand, the inability to predict is one of the constants of the political history of this country. Do you remember when it became the beginning of the Prime Minister? In the West, it was said that a former terrorist in Ergon had reached power, but the beginning was the person who returned the Sinai to the Egyptians at Camp David, and won the Nobel Peace Prize. And “Halcon” Sharon? The only Israeli Prime Minister to withdraw 21 settlers and thousands of Gaza settlers.

Fifty thousand dead: Is genocide in Gaza, as some say?

I would like to say no. Because the atrocities we are witnessing in Gaza are not the result of a previous plan to exterminate the Palestinian population. If there is no intention, there is no genocide. On the contrary, I will tell you that many of these losses are due to the way the warfare of war leads, and he dies from its militias in the tunnels, in buildings, along with civil housing. This does not mean that this war has expressed an excessive devastating burden, which many innocent are victims.

I still say that most Israelis, about 80 %, want the end of the war. But investigative studies also report other contradictory data: 70 % do not want to hear a “two -state solution”; Knesateet was imposed on it. I was the Prime Minister who approached this solution more, but he did not achieve it. Why do you continue to support her firmly?

You will see, they call me a utopia and accuse me of the desire to make peace with enemies. But I answer: Of course, peace is done with enemies, not with friends. Are the Palestinians our enemies? Yes, I agree: Therefore, he is with them they must make peace. No 70 % want it?

I am happy because I want 30 %. We will grow, we will win support, first 10, then another, and another, until we are a majority. Do you know why I have a lot of confidence? Simply because there is no other alternative to “two countries”. If someone believes that, regardless of ridiculous mass deportations and others, there is a reliable alternative to the two countries, to say this. I don’t know any.

I believe that the plan I worked in in 2006 with Abu Mazen is still viable today, with some minor adjustments. Just as I was able to present it to Pope Francis, when he received me with a partner of the battle for me, former Palestinian Foreign Minister, Nasser Al -Kidfa. However, specifically because I am not utopian, I fully realize that the solution of “the two countries” today is a change of leadership in both fields. I have great confidence in the spirit of peace from Pope Francis.