Is Netanyahu Israel’s Biggest Threat? Former PM Ehud Olmert Thinks So.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has ignited controversy with his scathing critique of current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arguing that Netanyahu himself, not external forces like Iran or Hamas, poses the greatest danger to Israel. In a recent interview with CNN, Olmert pointed to what he calls “Israeli extremists” within Netanyahu’s government as the true enemy, lamenting Netanyahu’s reliance on these groups and his disregard for their “unacceptable actions.” This isn’t a new stance for Olmert. He has been a vocal critic of Netanyahu’s leadership, particularly the current coalition government.
Olmert’s concerns extend beyond rhetoric. He has publicly called for mass protests against the Netanyahu government, describing the coalition, which includes figures like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, as ”lawless” and pushing Israel towards collapse. This echoes the sentiments of many Israelis who have taken to the streets in recent months to protest the government’s proposed judicial overhaul, a move critics argue undermines democratic checks and balances. These protests have drawn hundreds of thousands of participants, highlighting the deep divisions within Israeli society. [Link to a reputable news source covering the protests]
Olmert’s criticism also targets Netanyahu’s security policies. In an op-ed for Haaretz, he condemned a proposed Israeli military operation in Rafah, arguing it served only Netanyahu’s political interests and not Israel’s security. He suggested that the vast majority of Israelis oppose escalating conflict, fearing the potential repercussions. This concern is understandable given the volatile security situation in the region and the potential for any military action to quickly spiral out of control. [Link to a reputable source discussing the security situation in the region]
Olmert paints a picture of Netanyahu living in a “bubble,” detached from reality. He believes Netanyahu sees himself on a historic mission to save Israel, despite growing international isolation. This perceived isolation, fueled by policies like the judicial overhaul and continued settlement expansion, has strained relationships with key allies, including the United States. [Link to a reputable source discussing Israel’s international relations]
Perhaps most alarmingly, Olmert has warned of a potential civil war brewing within Israel between secular and religious factions. This stark warning underscores the growing anxieties surrounding the increasing polarization of Israeli society. The current political climate, marked by sharp ideological divides and escalating rhetoric, has raised concerns about the potential for internal conflict. [Link to a reputable source discussing the religious-secular divide in Israel]
Olmert’s pronouncements are undoubtedly controversial. However, they raise critical questions about the direction of Israeli politics and the potential consequences of Netanyahu’s leadership. Whether one agrees with Olmert or not, his warnings cannot be easily dismissed. The future of Israel, he argues, hinges on confronting these internal challenges, not just external threats.
