Opinion : Ehud Olmert’s Israel former PM Interviews: Key Points and Political Biography

Foreward

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has appeared multiple times on France 24, delivering sharp criticisms of current Israeli leadership and advocating for peace solutions.

His most notable recent appearances include joint interviews with Palestinian officials and solo discussions about the Gaza conflict.

Joint Interview with Palestinian Leader (June 2025)

In a significant June 2025 France 24 interview, Olmert appeared alongside former Palestinian Foreign Minister Nasser al-Qudwa to advocate for a two-state solution.

The key points from this interview include

Criticism of Current Gaza War: Olmert accused Israel of waging war with “no legitimacy” since expanding the conflict on March 18, 2025, stating that the war has become a “crime” because it lacks any political or military objective that justifies the cost of lives.

He emphasized that the majority of Israelis do not support the expansion of the war and believe it serves only Netanyahu’s political interests.

Two-State Solution Advocacy

Despite the ongoing conflict, both Olmert and al-Qudwa defended their vision of a two-state solution, with Olmert declaring, “We believe that it’s going to work because there is no other solution.”

He argued that a one-state solution would be “a prescription for disaster” and represent “the ultimate victory of one side over the other.”

Direct Appeal to Trump

Olmert dramatically appealed to President Trump, suggesting he summon Netanyahu to the Oval Office and tell him, “Bibi, enough is enough. It’s all over with. Stop it”.

He argued that Trump is “the only person in the world that Netanyahu is scared when he listens and talks to him.”

Earlier France 24 Appearances

June 2025 Solo Interview: Olmert told France 24 that most Israelis believe the military operation in Gaza is purely for political reasons, stating that Netanyahu prioritizes his personal and political interests over national interests.

He emphasized that more than 60% of Israelis believe Netanyahu has placed his interests above the state’s national interests.

War Crimes Allegations: In various France 24 interviews, Olmert has accused the Israeli government of committing war crimes, though he stops short of calling it genocide.

FAF, Washington.Media analyzes Olmert's intent in distinguishing between the actions of the Israeli army and the policies of the Israeli government, stating he doesn’t accuse the military but rather the government’s “policy of negligence.”

Ehud Olmert: Brief Political Biography

Early Life and Political Entry

Ehud Olmert was born on September 30, 1945, near Binyamina in the British Mandate of Palestine.

His parents were members of the Irgun Zvai Leumi, a militant Jewish group that fought for Israel's establishment. His father, Mordechai, served in Israel’s Knesset as a member of the Herut Party.

Olmert graduated from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem with psychology, philosophy, and law degrees.

He served as a combat soldier in the Israel Defense Forces' Golani Brigade until he was injured, after which he became a military correspondent for the IDF magazine BaMahane.

Rise Through Israeli Politics

Youngest Knesset Member

In 1973, at age 28, Olmert became Israel’s youngest Knesset member, elected as part of the right-wing Likud party. He was continuously re-elected to the Knesset as a Likud member until 1998.

Ministerial Positions

Olmert served as minister without portfolio from 1988 to 1990, responsible for minority affairs, and Minister of Health from 1990 until 1992.

He established a reputation for fighting organized crime and corruption in sports.

Mayor of Jerusalem

In 1993, Olmert was elected Mayor of Jerusalem, defeating longtime incumbent Teddy Kollek by a large margin, becoming the first Likud member to hold the position.

He was re-elected in 1998 and served until 2003.

He focused on major infrastructure projects, education system improvements, and the development of the city’s light rail system.

Path to Prime Minister

Return to National Politics: In 2003, Olmert returned to the Knesset and was appointed by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry, Trade, and Labor.

He became one of Sharon’s closest political advisers and was a chief architect of Sharon’s Gaza withdrawal policy.

Acting Prime Minister

On January 4, 2006, Olmert became Prime Minister after Sharon suffered a massive stroke.

He was elected chairman of the newly-formed Kadima party in January 2006.

Prime Ministership (2006-2009)

Electoral Victory

In the March 2006 election, Kadima won 29 seats under Olmert’s leadership, making it the largest party. Olmert officially became Prime Minister on April 14, 2006.

Significant Challenges

During his tenure, Olmert led Israel through the 2006 Lebanon War, which ended inconclusively and damaged his approval ratings. The Winograd Commission harshly criticized him for his handling of the war.

Peace Negotiations

From late 2006 through 2008, Olmert engaged in extensive peace negotiations with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, holding 36 negotiating sessions.

In September 2008, he presented Abbas with a comprehensive peace plan that would have created a Palestinian state on 94% of the West Bank.

The 2008 Peace Offer

Olmert’s 2008 peace proposal to Abbas included several groundbreaking elements:

Israel would annex only 4.9% of the West Bank while providing equal territory to Palestinians from Israeli land

Jerusalem would be divided, with both sides having capitals in the city

An international trusteeship would administer the “Holy Basin” around the Old City

A tunnel would connect the West Bank and Gaza Strip

Olmert famously told Abbas: “In the next 50 years, you will not find one Israeli leader to propose what I propose to you now.

Sign it! Sign it, and let’s change history!”.

However, Abbas declined to sign immediately, requesting time to study the proposal with his experts.

Corruption Scandals and Legal Troubles

Multiple Cases

Olmert’s political career was overshadowed by corruption allegations that began while he was in office.

He was charged in several cases, including the Holyland affair (real estate bribery) and the Talansky case (accepting cash envelopes from an American businessperson).

Convictions and Prison

In 2014, Olmert was convicted of bribery and sentenced to six years in prison, later reduced to 18 months on appeal.

He was also convicted in a separate case for accepting money from American businessman Morris Talansky.

Olmert became the first former Israeli Prime Minister to be imprisoned, serving 16 months from February 2016 to July 2017.

Post-Prison Political Activity

Since his release, Olmert has advocated for peace, often appearing alongside Palestinian leaders to promote two-state solutions.

He continues to be a vocal critic of Netanyahu’s policies and has maintained that his 2008 peace offer remains the blueprint for any future Israeli-Palestinian agreement.

Olmert’s legacy remains complex - he came closer than any Israeli leader to achieving a comprehensive peace agreement with the Palestinians.

Still, his political career was ultimately derailed by corruption convictions that made him the first former Israeli Prime Minister to serve prison time.