Former Israeli Prime Minister Calls on Trump to Intervene
Ehud Olmert, Israel's prime minister from 2006 to 2009, has publicly appealed to US President Donald Trump to put an end to the ongoing war in Gaza. Speaking from Paris, Olmert criticized current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict, arguing that Netanyahu prioritizes personal political interests over national well-being.
"Enough Is Enough" – A Direct Plea to President Trump
Olmert urged Trump to convey a firm message to Netanyahu: "Enough is enough." Emphasizing America's unparalleled influence over Israel, Olmert believes that Trump has the power to steer the Israeli government toward halting the military operations and returning to a diplomatic pathway.
He lamented the fact that Netanyahu did not act decisively to prevent the initial Hamas attack in October 2023, which ignited the current war. Furthermore, Olmert expressed deep concern over the escalation following missed opportunities to end hostilities earlier this year.
Consequences of the Conflict: Heavy Toll and Growing Urgency
The October 2023 assault by Hamas resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, predominantly civilians, while 251 hostages were taken, with about 54 still held in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel’s retaliatory campaign has devastated Gaza, with the Health Ministry reporting over 54,880 fatalities, mostly civilians.
Despite international acknowledgment of Israel's right to defend itself, Olmert categorized the ongoing military operations that cause further loss of life—including hostages and innocent Palestinians—as criminal acts that cannot be condoned.
Political Complexities and Coalition Pressures
Analysts highlight that Netanyahu’s reluctance to halt the conflict stems from fears that coalition hardliners would abandon his government, risking early elections that could threaten his leadership. This political instability complicates prospects for peace.
Reviving the Two-State Solution: A Practical Vision
Alongside former Palestinian foreign minister Nasser Al-Qidwa, Olmert is advocating a detailed plan aiming to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian crisis by establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Their proposal includes a mutual exchange of approximately 4.4% of territory to balance borders, incorporating some West Bank land occupied by Israeli settlers into Israel and compensating Palestinians with other Israeli territories.
This blueprint, scheduled for discussion at an upcoming meeting co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia in New York, seeks to present a tangible and realistic path toward peace. Olmert stresses that leadership from both Israeli and Palestinian sides, coupled with international support, is essential to transform this vision into reality.
Challenges Ahead: Leadership and Public Opinion
Despite Olmert’s experience and political efforts, he confronts widespread skepticism among Israelis, particularly after recent events reduced public support for a Palestinian state. Both Olmert and Al-Qidwa agree that new leadership is needed on both sides, as the current Israeli government and Palestinian Authority under Mahmoud Abbas have failed to foster meaningful progress.
Al-Qidwa described the existing leaderships as inadequate, calling for their replacement to enable genuine advancement toward coexistence.
The Road Forward
Olmert’s message is clear: continuing the conflict only breeds more tragedy without delivering security or justice. By urging President Trump to challenge Netanyahu’s approach publicly, he hopes to catalyze a shift toward dialogue and a two-state resolution, preventing further human suffering and offering a hopeful future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
