In a column published by the Norwegian newspaper VG, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert argues that the current Israeli government must be removed to salvage any possibility of a two-state solution. Reporting from Tel Aviv, Olmert characterizes the administration of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an obstacle to peace, explicitly criticizing extreme cabinet members and pointing to years of political maneuvering designed to prevent Palestinian statehood.
Olmert Condemns Current Leadership and Policies
Writing for VG, Olmert maintains that a two-state solution remains the only viable path forward despite widespread regional pessimism. He directs harsh criticism at Netanyahu’s coalition, applying the label of fascists to two of its most prominent right-wing ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir. According to Olmert’s assessment in VG, Netanyahu bears direct historical responsibility for cultivating divisions between Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian Authority on the West Bank to deliberately stall peace negotiations.
Olmert points to financial transfers permitted to flow into Gaza from Qatar prior to the October 7, 2023, attacks as part of a broader strategy by Netanyahu to sideline moderate Palestinian leadership under President Mahmoud Abbas. That strategy, Olmert argues in VG, destroyed mutual trust long before Hamas launched its assault.
Regional Pressures and Potential Diplomatic Leverage
VG reported that public sentiment across Israel regarding the conflict has largely settled into resignation, with most political observers dismissing a two-state framework as permanently unachievable. Yet, alternative proposals frequently center on coordinated pressure from regional Arab powers, including Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Proponents of a regional diplomatic track argue that neighboring governments share an incentive to stabilize the region to prevent domestic unrest and widespread conflict.
Post-October 7 Security Realities
The political landscape described in VG has hardened significantly since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which left deep psychological scars across Israeli society by shattering security assurances. Concurrently, the military campaign in Gaza has resulted in extensive destruction and severe humanitarian suffering.
Against this backdrop, the Palestinian Authority faces deep internal challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ehud Olmert?
Ehud Olmert is a former Prime Minister of Israel who served in office from 2006 until 2009. In his recent commentary, he advocates for the removal of the current government to restart peace efforts.
What role did Qatar play prior to October 2023?
Prior to the October 7 attacks, financial funds from Qatar were routed into the Gaza Strip. According to critics like Olmert, this mechanism was intentionally tolerated by Prime Minister Netanyahu to maintain a fractured Palestinian leadership.
Why are neighboring Arab states considered central to future negotiations?
Middle Eastern governments, including Jordan, Egypt, and Gulf nations, face direct security risks from ongoing conflict and domestic radicalization. Analysts suggest these countries possess the regional leverage required to compel both Israelis and Palestinians back toward a negotiated political framework.
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