Ex-Israeli PM admits Israeli actions in Gaza 'close to war crimes'
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Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert says 'Israel's' actions in Gaza are close to a war crime, sparking backlash from officials accusing him of incitement and betrayal.
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Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert takes questions from reporters after a news conference in New York, Tuesday, February 11, 2020. (AP)
"What Israel is doing now in Gaza is very close to a war crime," Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert acknowledged in an interview with the British BBC network.
According to Olmert, "the war has no purpose, and there is no chance of achieving anything that could save the lives of the Israeli hostages in Gaza."
This statement came after a similar confession by Yair Golan, head of the Democrats Party in "Israel", who stated that "a sane country does not fight against civilians, does not kill babies as a hobby, and does not give itself the aim of expelling populations."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed Golan's remarks as "wild incitement" and a "blood libel."
Olmert’s statement sparked a political storm and reactions similar to those Golan faced, with high-ranking political figures in "Israel" rushing to condemn him.
Education Minister Yoav Kisch responded by saying, "Olmert joins Yair Golan and the radical leftist chorus that tarnishes Israel’s reputation on the international stage," accusing the former leader of incitement against the Israeli regime, as well as treason. Kisch attacked Olmert, saying, "Shame on you."
Similarly, Deputy Knesset Speaker Nissim Vaturi said, "Olmert is the most corrupt prime minister since the establishment of Israel, and he is consumed by self-hatred." He also described him as a "mouthpiece for Hamas."
Meanwhile, Social Equality Minister May Golan also attacked Olmert, saying, "Prisoner No. 9032478 – the only crime in this war is you spitting in the faces of Israeli soldiers who are fighting the enemy right now."
IOF prepare to take over Gaza within two months
This comes as the Israeli occupation army prepares for a large-scale ground assault on the Gaza Strip, aiming to seize control of the entire territory and forcibly displace its residents.
The planned invasion, part of the ongoing Operation Gideon’s Chariots, marks a significant escalation in the occupation's military assaults.
According to sources cited by Israel Hayom, the intensive ground assault is expected to last approximately two months.
Following that, over a month, the Israeli occupation army intends to occupy the territory, aiming to reduce the area where civilians can remain and concentrate.
This phase of the Gaza Strip invasion is designed to displace the Palestinian population while maximizing military occupation, reflecting a broader objective to alter the demographic and strategic landscape of the enclave.
