Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has sharply criticized the continuation of the war on Gaza, labeling it a "crime" and warning that only a so-called "two-state" solution can resolve the struggle.

Speaking to AFP in Paris, Olmert called on US President Donald Trump to use Washington's leverage to halt the war.

Olmert, who led the Israeli government from 2006 to 2009, said the United States holds more sway over the Israeli government than any other power and that Trump could play a decisive role in ending the war.

In 2006, Olmert's government launched a large-scale military aggression on Lebanon after Hezbollah carried out a cross-border operation and took two Israeli soldiers captive to recover its detainees in Israeli occupation prisons.

Lebanese figures put the number of Lebanese people killed in the 2006 Israeli attacks at nearly 1,200 martyrs and more than 4,500 injuries.

The 34-day war drew widespread criticism within "Israel" for its handling and inconclusive results, ultimately damaging Olmert’s political standing and contributing to his later resignation.

Netanyahu prioritizing political survival, says Olmert

Olmert accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of failing "completely" as a leader by not preventing the October 7, 2023, attack by the Palestinian Resistance.

He claimed that while the international community initially recognized "Israel’s right to self-defense," global sentiment shifted after Netanyahu rejected ceasefire opportunities in March and escalated the aggression instead.

Related News

Trump to make historic second UK State visit at King's invitation

EU rallies allies as Trump tariff threats push trade tensions higher

Netanyahu "has his personal interests which are prioritised over what may be the national interests,” the former Israeli premier stated, suggesting the prime minister’s decision-making is driven by political survival rather than "national" security.

Analysts have pointed out that Netanyahu fears losing hardline support within his coalition if he ends the war, which could bring down the government and lead to elections he may not win.

Olmert emphasized the decisive influence of the US over the Israeli government, noting that no other international actor holds comparable sway.

'This is a crime'

"If there is a war which is not going to save hostages, which cannot really eradicate more of what they did already against Hamas and if, as a result of this, soldiers are getting killed, hostages maybe get killed and innocent Palestinians are killed, then to my mind this is a crime," he said.

"And this is something that should be condemned and not accepted."

In late May, Olmert acknowledged in an interview for the British BBC network that "what Israel is doing now in Gaza is very close to a war crime," adding that "the war has no purpose, and there is no chance of achieving anything that could save the lives of the Israeli hostages in Gaza."

‘Bibi: enough is enough’

The former prime minister urged Trump to summon Netanyahu to the White House and deliver a firm public message.

Trump should summon Netanyahu to the White House Oval Office and facing cameras, tell the Israeli leader, ‘Bibi: enough is enough,’” Olmert said, invoking the premier's nickname.

"This is it. I hope he (Trump) will do it. There is nothing that cannot happen with Trump. I don't know if this will happen. We have to hope and we have to encourage him," he added.

But despite mounting global concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the United States continues to back "Israel" diplomatically, using its veto power at the UN Security Council and approving billions of dollars in arms sales.

Read more: Olmert: Netanyahu leading 'Israel' to disaster, resignations suggested