Former PM Olmert Tells CNN: "What is it, if not a war crime?"

In a blistering CNN interview on Wednesday, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced he can no longer defend Israel against accusations of war crimes. He lambasted the government’s failure to articulate a clear strategy for ending the Gaza conflict, securing the release of hostages, or pursuing a viable political future. Olmert singled out inflammatory statements from Israeli cabinet ministers, including calls to “starve Gaza,” and condemned the suspension of humanitarian aid to Gaza since March 2 as utterly indefensible.

“What is it if not a war crime?” Olmert charged, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration of pursuing policies that are morally and legally indefensible. He slammed the IDF’s expanded operations in Gaza, intended to secure the territory and prevent Hamas from siphoning off aid, as reckless and detrimental to Israel’s long-term interests. Olmert argued these actions risk harming innocent Gazans without serving any strategic purpose.

Expressing deep disillusionment, Olmert claimed that most Israelis are exasperated by the government’s divisive rhetoric and actions, which he said have eroded the nation’s moral standing. He called for the current leadership’s swift exit and placed his hopes in U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he believes could force Netanyahu to "confront reality" and halt the conflict.

Regarding potential Israeli military action against Iran, Olmert dismissed Netanyahu’s saber-rattling as largely bluster, urging caution in interpreting the prime minister’s threats. He expressed confidence in Trump’s diplomatic prowess, suggesting the U.S. president is uniquely positioned to address the global threat posed by Iran through negotiation rather than escalation.

To understand why his words need to be taken with a pinch of salt (if even that), we need to understand who Olmert really is.

In 2014, Olmert was convicted of bribery and fraud for illicit real estate dealings during his time as Jerusalem’s mayor and a cabinet minister, crimes that show him to be a self-serving opportunist who abused public trust. Sentenced to 27 months in prison, he served 16 before his release in 2017, emerging as a disgraced figure. His attacks on the current government, conveniently sidestep his own history of betraying the public’s confidence, casting doubt on whether his motives are rooted in genuine concern or political score-settling.

In addition, his tenure as prime minister was marred by controversies, including the mishandled 2006 Lebanon War, which left lasting scars on his reputation.

His sudden pivot to criticizing Israel on the world stage, particularly through a platform like CNN, suggests a calculated attempt to regain relevance and/or curry favor with international audiences. While his words may resonate with some, they should be seen for what they are: Israel-hating rants from a man whose ethical compass has long been proven unreliable.